What's On My Heart Today...

2024-12-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

New Beginnings

New: To get rid of the old and welcome the new.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." Philippians 3:13.

REFLECTIONS...As the New Year approaches, we often look back over the past year and reflect on our experiences both good and bad. Some of us had the best year ever and are praying for God's favor in the New Year. For others, everyday seemed like a challenge. Lord willing, we've made peace with the bad and are rejoicing with the good. We move on! The blessed truth is, every moment is a fresh beginning. God wants us to do a new thing in our lives. Stay away from what might have been and look at what can be. "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11.) He wants to deepen our hunger for His will and His word. Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction. Our life does not get better by chance. This is true in our homes, our heart, and our lives. Every moment is a fresh beginning.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19.

"And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were."

May God bless you in the New Year,

The Wonder of Christmas

2024-12-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

The Wonder of Christmas

Wonder: A feeling of admiration caused by something beautiful.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6.

(Isaiah prophesied of Jesus birth 700 years before His birth.)

Christmas...is almost here. Our trees are trimmed, our gifts are wrapped, anticipation stirs the air. Many Christians are preparing their hearts for Jesus birth. An event that was so beautiful, so incredible, so incomprehensible, that it would literally change the world forever. A monumental tasks for a tiny baby. This perfect and precious child that was conceived by the Holy Spirit was sent to earth to save His people from their sins. He took it upon Himself our humanity. He was born in the shadow of the cross to redeem us from our sin. What if Jesus had never been born, would it have made a difference? EVERYTHING!! We would have no atonement of our sin, no resurrection from the dead, no hope of eternal life, and no Savior to call a friend. The night Jesus was born Mary must have held her baby close. Kissed His soft cheek, and wept quietly in the wonder of it all.

"Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:13-14.

"When we lose our wonder, we are prone to wander."

May you have a beautifully blessed Christmas,

Indescribable Gift

2024-12-15T14:40:00.001-07:00

Indescribable Gift

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15.

Christmas...For most of us, our trees are trimmed, our gifts are wrapped and there's anticipation stirring the air. This is a perfect time to put aside our Christmas preparations, gather the family, and reach for your Bible where the story of the Christ Child awaits us. I wonder what God, our Heavenly Father felt when He made the decision to send His only beloved Son to become the Savior of mankind that we might live through Him. He gave the most precious thing He had to give. "This is My Beloved Son...(Matthew 3:17). One can almost feel the weight of that choice on His heart. Jesus left Heaven and all it's beauty, said "goodbye" to His Father, and started on a journey to earth by means of the Virgin Mary. He lived and taught and then He willing died on the Old Rugged Cross, rose on the third day and now sits at the right hand of His beloved Father in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, we are son's and daughters of a most high God. Thanks be to God for His..."Indescribable Gift!"

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love; not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."1 John 4:9-10.

"May our hearts prepare Him room, our lives reflect His presence, our homes radiate His peace."

Sweetest Blessings to you and yours,

The Hustle and Bustle of Christmas

2024-12-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Hustle and Bustle of Christmas

Hustle and Bustle: "Activity of a crowded place or situation."

"So, I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry; for this will remain with him all the days of his life ." Ecclesiastes 8:15.

Christmas is my favorite holiday and typically December is my favorite month of the year because of the spirit of Christmas. Unfortunately, it can also be the most stressful time of the year and this stress can quickly lead to a burnout. If we aren't careful about our busyness we will get caught up in a whirlwind of meaningless activity. We can get so busy that we miss all the little important extras in this season. The beauty of the day, a smile of a friend, a hug from a loved one. It is often the smallest pleasures and gentle joys that make the most lasting difference. It's the quiet holy feeling of love as we reflect on the birth of our Savior Christ Jesus. Take time to notice your day is sprinkled with blessings. Take time to sit and bask in His goodness. Take time to start your day in God's Word. Your cup will be full when all the hustle and bustle rolls around you. Enjoy the season! 💖

"Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill towards men." Luke 2:14.

"Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by the Hustle." Abraham Lincoln."

Sweetest Blessings

Traveling Mercies

2024-12-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Traveling Mercies

When our travels are filled with Divine protection.

"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have ask Him." 1 John 5:14-15.

Travel...This is the season to travel. Being able to travel is a blessing, but it can also heighten anxiety and stress because there's always the reality of an accident. Statistics teach us there is no guarantee we will be safe. I have to confess that I have struggled with worry when my loved ones are traveling. I pray, but I still worry. The next time fear creeps into your thoughts after you pray for traveling mercies, think about how many times God's mercies may have saved you from a tragic accident. We are human and do not have the ability to see into the Spiritual Realm, but, if we could, we would see Heaven's angels all around us battling the enemy of our souls for our lives. Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey. The Lord will keep you from all harm." (Psalm 21:7). Safe travels friends.

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." Genesis 28:15.

All our travels are preordained with divine protection!

Sweetest Blessings,

The Gathering Table

2024-11-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Gathering Table

"Forever on Thanksgiving day the heart will find a pathway home."

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I will be among them.” Matthew 18:20.

Thanksgiving... I LOVE Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is like a big, warm hug! It's a precious opportunity to reflect on the abundance in our lives and express heartfelt gratitude for all that we hold dear. The historical roots around Thanksgiving paints a picture of friends and family gathered around the table to celebrate and show gratitude to God for that years harvest bounty. Today, this long ago memory of early Thanksgiving celebration looks much different. Oh, the celebration with family and friends is still there but sadly, this sacred holiday has lost many of its religious roots. I wonder, how many of us still say grace before this special meal? No matter how small something is, if seen as a blessing, it's huge! So this Thanksgiving I hope you and those around your table will find a way to give thanks to our loving, grace-giving God. If you are a hostess or a guest and no-one says grace...be a grace giver!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1.

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy."

Sweetest Blessings,

Change My Heart Oh God

2024-11-17T13:56:00.001-07:00

Change My Heart Oh God

"True transformation comes from the inside out."

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

Change My Heart...This I know, after this season our lives will never be the same. Something in us has changed. The lifestyles that we have lived seems not so important, not so sweet. I like to think that in our waiting we have been pondering the way we are doing life. The way we do life and process life will have a deeper more thoughtful meaning. How we see God will change. Our relationship with Him will change. God is teaching us something valuable in our waiting. He is teaching us to treasure what is really important, what really matters, things that will not perish. Things that we can keep close to our heart. Let's use these precious moments to reconnect with God in a deeper, more personal way. God wants to give you the greatest treasure here on earth... His love. God is love and when we abide in His presence, He will fill us with enough love to pour over those we cherish. After this season let's purpose to live our lives differently. Let God's love be your foundation.

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10.

“The most beautiful things in the world can not be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”

Sweetest Blessings,

Just Breathe

2024-11-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Just Breathe

"Be still and know that I am God."

"The spirit of God has made me, and the breathe of the Almighty gives me life." Job 33:4.

Breathe...Life is full of stress! Everyday seems to have new mountains to climb. With all the stress of our recent political climate and some serious health issues, these words have taken root in my heart. This I know, when our world gets tilted and we face issues that challenge us, we can either fall or we can rise up. God in all His mercy never leaves us in our lowest state of mind. I needed to find a way to balance my world. The words,"Just Breathe" began to whisper in my spirit. There's something special about slowing our thoughts and simply breathing until you begin to hear your heartbeat. The Lord is waiting on the other side and His arms are full of blessings. Recently I have been hearing, "Jesus is the Air I breathe." This flows through my body and leaves peace like a warm blanket on a cold day. Sometimes we need the simple reminder to just breathe and be, just be. His presence is always with you, and He is in the highest position of authority over this broken world. There is so much more to life than crazy! Just breathe!

"Jesus said to them, "Come away with Me. Let us go to a quiet place and rest awhile." Mark 6:31.

"“Chaos is a storm that can be weathered with a deep breath. Trust that calm follows the exhale.”

Sweetest Blessings,

The Simple Blessing of Slowing Down

2024-11-02T13:18:00.006-07:00

The Simple Blessing of Slowing Down

"To observe, learn and appreciate without feeling the need to rush."

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31.

Holidays.. How do we slow down in a world that seems to speed up? Most of us are geared to push the gas peddle and move into endless motion. We jump from work to family, to appointments, to shopping. And so the list goes on. By the end of our day our tank is empty and we are exhausted. We rush through our days and then complain that time flies by. The old adage, "Haste makes waste." is true. Hurry steals the best of our lives. Our soul was not created to hurry. We were designed to go at a slower pace, to ponder, to process thoughts one at a time, to focus on the face in front of us with tender care. Be intentional about your scheduling. Be present. Life is undeniably precious. Surely, that's reason enough to rush a little less and enjoy a little more. Slow down and just breathe and take in the things you love, the people you love. Watch more sunsets, sip more coffee, and find a little bit of calm. The reality is, there is only so much time left in the hourglass of time. Slow down and savor the gifts God has given you, savor His blessings. "In His presence is fullness of joy."

"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

"If you're always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you're in?"

Sweetest Blessings,

God is Still Writing Your Story

2024-10-27T13:23:00.001-07:00

God is Still Writing Your Story

How to love the life you have even if it's not the life you wanted!

"The thief does not come except to steal, and kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they have it more abundantly." John 10:19.

We all grew up with dreams of what we wanted our life to look like. Somewhere along our journey from childhood to being an adult, our dreams went out the window. Jesus explains there's a "thief who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. But, "He came to earth so we could not only have life but to live it more abundantly." Despite the thief's intentions, every twist and turn in your journey, every experience, good or bad, has brought you to this very moment. This is your journey and you are exactly where you belong. If your not where you want to be right now, it could be exactly where you need for what God has planned for you. God also said, "I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, and to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). Enjoy the journey! You didn't miss anything! Your exactly where you are supposed to be! Your life may not look exactly what you dreamed...It will be so much better! 💞

"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever." Psalm 16:11.

"God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go."

Sweetest Blessings,

Feeling Guilty

2024-10-20T13:58:00.001-07:00

Feeling Guilty

A Golden nugget of wisdom!

"We walk by faith; not by appearnce." 1 Corinthians 5:7.

Feeling Guilty...You cannot find any place in the Bible where it asks you to feel guilty. Repentance is one thing; guilt is another. Many Christians know their sins are forgiven but still find it hard to feel free of guilt. Feelings are not facts! Just because you feel guilty does not mean you are. The Holy Spirit brings conviction; the devil brings condemnation. The Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer, convicts us of our sins and instills a healthy sense of guilt in us until we confess and repent. Then God forgives-immediately and fully. If you still feel guilty after your sins have been forgiven, that's not the Holy Spirit speaking but Satan working through your own emotions to make you feel bad... Recognize the difference. If you have ask the Lord to forgive you...He already has! Now forgive yourself! 💞

"Therefore, preparing your mind for action, and being sober-minded, set your heart fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13.

Guilt is always hungry, don't allow it to consume you!

Sweetest Blessings,

Sing Praises to The Lord

2024-10-20T13:25:00.001-07:00

Sing Praises to The Lord

Singing praises is a form of spiritual warfare.

"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:2.

Are you having a bad day? It's okay. God knows! When the daily grind of life leaves you weary, singing God's praises will always fill your heart with peace and joy. You may think that singing is just, well...singing? What's that, you can't sing? Never fear… you don’t need a beautiful voice. God delights in the praises of His people, no matter the level of talent! David wrote many worship songs in the book of Psalm. These songs all have one purpose, to give us the words to sing when we stand before God. You may be in the middle of a war. Turn up the music and sing like David. Look at the words take them in, believe them, and let them soar into the air. Heres the bottom line about praise and worship, music is powerful! Worship can beak through and touch hearts where words cannot. Don't let life effect your worship...Let your worship effect life...Sing! 🎜🎝

"Singing praises to God calls Him and all the powers of Heaven into your presence. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord." Psalm 106:1.

"Lift up the shield of faith by lifting up your voice."

Sweetest Blessings,

If Tomorrow Never Comes

2024-10-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

If Tomorrow Never Comes

Highlights pitfalls of continuious procrastination.

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a prophet; where as you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:13-14.

Today...is here and tomorrow may never come. Cliché? Perhaps! But what if you have unfinished business? Maybe you were raised in church, maybe you weren't. But somewhere along the road you heard the gospel message. Maybe you dismissed it or maybe you embraced it. One thing is certain, this world is spiraling out of control. If you are a Bible believer, you know why. The Word tells us, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:32). Is there shattered relationships that you have been estranged from, perhaps for many years? Maybe someone hurt you or maybe you hurt someone. Loved ones, children, friends, broken relationships? Years have gone by and the reason forgotten or unknown. You say it can't be fixed but your heart continues to hurt. It still matters! Unsaid words matter. Don't get caught up in the "why," it doesn't matter. Make peace. Send a "you matter" message. Nothing else! Then let go and be at peace!

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose." Psalm 20:4.

Live for today...Act for eternity!

Sweetest Blessings,

But Wait!

2024-09-29T14:13:00.001-07:00

But Wait! (Morning Prayer)

“Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make know the way I should go, for to You I will lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8.

But Wait!...Honestly, It's so easy to forget to put God first in our mornings. After all, the coffee has already perked, the morning news is on, we need to check our email and text messages, the phone rings and life moves on into perpetual motion. Busyness, ever so subliminally, takes root and steals our time. We rush into our day without committing our day and loved ones into God's hands. Is it any wonder? The enemy knows full well this cycle of intervention, after all, he instigated it to divert our attention away from God. Simply put, If you wait, chances are you will never find time to pray. So many of our days are devoted to tending our external lives that the state of our soul becomes weighted down with things that overshadow our relationship with God, who in reality, has an amazing ability to give our souls peace. We all know that "first fruits" are special. They are "set aside" or "separated" for God. God takes care of what belongs to Him and He invites you to sit in the stillness of mornings with Him. To give intentionally from our first and best, rather than our leftovers! A busy life makes prayer harder, but prayer makes life easier!

"Satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love that we may rejoice and be glad in all our days. Psalm 90:14.

"Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays."

Sweetest Blessings,

Our Lord Gives Wise Counsel

2024-09-22T12:52:00.001-07:00

Our Lord Gives Wise Counsel

"I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons." Psalm 16:7.

Decision's...I was close to middle age before I realized that my decisions had long arms. (Consequence). Not that all the decisions I made were awful but many were not wise either. Have you ever consciously made a hasty decision to get a hair cut rather than take time to reason? How did that work our for you? People make thousands of decisions each and every day. Many small, yet, others, monumental and life changing. While some of these turn out great, chances are that not every decision you make will be a good one. Bad decisions definitely come home to roost. What would it be like to experience peace like a river everyday? It's easy to pin point bad decisions, our spirit will not be at peace. Thankfully, we have a Heavenly Father, who cares greatly about our decisions, will send His Holy Spirit to lead us through life's winding path. Wise counsel helps us navigate options, make decisions, take actions, and respond well in situations and relationships. Thankfully, God has a plan for each of our lives if we include Him in all our decision making. He desires to partner with us to watch it unfold.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to Him." james 16:9.

"A fool despises good council, but a wise man takes it to heart."

Sweetest Blessings,

Embracing the Season

2024-09-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

Embracing the Seasons

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Genesis 8:22.

Seasons... I'm sitting in my cozy living room with a fire in the fireplace, warming the chill of a seemingly early fall. I think back on the long summer days filled with the breathless beauty of nature that speaks to my soul. Sweet memories linger. I wonder...What will fall look like. God created the seasons and one thing is for sure, they will not be overdue a single day. Not all seasons are idyllic, some seasons are challenging and leave us with questions. I am reminded our biggest blessings are often found in the deepest waters that often leave our faith with deeper roots. My heart is to embrace this new season. I want to be present and also to be aware of God’s presence in every moment. I am going to love everything about my life. Not just parts of it, but embrace it all. I'm going to buy a new sweater, turn on Christmas music and sing! Be aware of what season you are in and give yourself the grace to be there. Our moments are not someone elses to live. Joy is not a season, it’s a way of living.

“I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights” Habakkuk 3:18-19.

"Live fully in the season you are in because you won't ever get it back!"

Faith and the Impossible

2024-09-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Faith and the Impossible

Living with Chronic Long-Term Illness

"So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10.

Chronic Illness...Being sick is a painful part of living. Why we suffer remains a mystery this side of Heaven. I have lived a long time with chronic illness and I am convinced I haven't walked this journey alone. Misery loves company! Chronic illness has many faces with a multitude of names. There are seasons with chronic illness when the suffering never seems to lighten up and will pose a real challenge to our faith. This is my journey to find that kind of faith. This I know, when we seek God through His Word and prayer...we find Jesus. That's enough!! Remember, Jesus understands our pain, He too suffered. No one comes through suffering unchanged. It is in our suffering that God reveals Himself. He knows what He's doing even when we feel baffled by the why. It has been in the deepest valleys where God's presence has dissolved my fears. I have no idea what my future holds, but I do know who holds my future. When the world looks like it's falling apart, remember...everything is falling into place! Counting my blessings! I am at peace. 💓

"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23.

Sweetest Blessings.

Things I've learned: "Pearls of Wisdom" (Good for note cards)

1. God's plans are not our plans...They are always better.

2. How do I cope...It doesn't matter.

3. God has lovingly placed us where we are...with a purpose.

4. Never fear the future...God knows our beginning to our end.

5. God never leaves us alone. He speaks to us day or night...If we listen.

6. The Bible comes alive...If we make it our life-line.

7. Keep looking upwards...Rather than outwards.

8. Never give up...Your stronger than you think.

9. Decided who's voice you are listening to...Satan is a deceiver.

10. Were only promised today...Live in it!

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.

Vessels of God's Grace

2024-09-01T13:22:00.001-07:00

Vessels of God's Grace

Spiritual Gifts: (1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Romans 12. 1 Peter.)

"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministry, but the same Lord. There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.

Let's talk about discovering our God-given gifts and what they mean. If you think you are not gifted...You're wrong! All believers of God have been created by God to do extraordinary things. Perhaps, you've never really thought of yourself as "gifted," and can't point to any particular skill you would consider a gift. Maybe you think your too old? It's not an age thing, it's a purpose thing. God blesses each of us with influence, talent, power and spiritual gifts to glorify Him. How can we identify our God-given gifts? Think about your talents. What do you love to do? It could be teaching, or encouraging other people. It could be greeting people or serving coffee at church. It could be hosting people or befriending lonely people. Bringing groceries to shut-ins, or faithfully praying for people. Everyone has specific needs. No matter how young or old you are, it's not too late to serve others and glorify God. By doing so, we become vessels of God's Grace.

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oricles of God." 1 Peter 4:10-11.

"Our gifts won't reach the heights of their potential if we refuse to use them on our knees."

Sweetest Blessings,

This Little Light of Mine

2024-08-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

This Little Light of Mine

Living in Fear: Christianity acknowledges the presence of fear in our lives, and how it can be a powerful force that affects our faith and actions.

"This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5.

This Little Light...When I was a little girl, I was newly adopted, uprooted, and afraid of everything. I was paralyzed with fear of the dark. Each night, I'd go to bed in my dark room, alone and afraid to open my eyes for fear of what I might see. My first Christmas, my adopted parents gave me a little pink Bible. I found a flashlight somewhere and each night, I'd cover my head, turn on my flashlight and open my little Bible. The first Scripture I memorized was 2 timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and a sound mind." I have carried this Scripture in my heart for life. Fear is normal, it's in our human nature to be afraid. Some people are afraid of tangible things, like the dark or spiders, others are afraid of intangible things, like death or being alone. If this has been your journey, alllow me to speak to your heart....It's in our darkest hour that Jesus shines the brightest.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.

"Light is to darkness what love is to fear; in the presence of one the other disappears"

Sweetest Blessings,

Victory Over Worry

2024-08-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Victory Over Worry

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.

Food for Thought...Who doesn't worry these days? Doesn't everyone worry? Sure we do. Why is worry so bad? When we worry, we are distracted. Now we are in Satan's territory and the possibilities are endless. None for our good. Simply put, it is a failure on our part to trust God. This doesn't mean that God expects us to rejoice in whatever happens. For instance, we don't have to be thankful that we get bad news or life feels like it's hopeless. One of my biggest battlefields is fear that something will happen to my loved ones. I remind myself, is this what God said? The Bible says when we have a relationship with God, we will experience, "fullness of joy," and pleasures evermore." (Psalm 16:11.) This moment needs your attention, for this is where your life exists. There is a future planned for you that you’ve not seen, nor heard, nor even imagined. No, we don't need to worry about tomorrow. We're in good hands.

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crops fail, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" Habakkuk 3:17-18.

"Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of it's sorrow; it empties today of its strength."

Sweetest Blessings,

Finding Joy In the Journey.

2024-08-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Finding Joy In the Journey

"The LORD is my strength and shield. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy." Psalm 28:7

One of the first songs I can remember singing in Sunday school was, "I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy down in my heart!" That song just makes me happy every time I sing it. Still does to this day. So simple but so true. We often get joy confused with happiness or believe they are the same thing. They are not. Yet, happiness and joy are woven together. True happiness is rooted in our relationship with God. Everything else flows from there. This journey of life is messy and filled with ups and downs. Yet, despite it all, we must find joy before the trials of life sweep it away. We do not remember days, we remember moments. The sweetest moments come when we realize where joy comes from. It may not be easy, but it is possible. A joyful life is made up of joyful moments. Cherish the simple moments of life with loved ones. The worst thing we can do when we feel joy slipping away is closet ourselves in with our emotions. Joy scatters a hundred griefs! A joy shared is a joy doubled.

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:?

”Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day"

Sweetest Blessings,

A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah

2024-08-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah

Written by John... John 4:1-42 (Full story)

"Jesus was there, being wearied from His journey, sat by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." John 4:5-7.

The Samaritan Woman...The story of the woman at the well is one of the most iconic encounters in the Bible. What precious and heartwarming words written in the Scripture. It is a example of love, truth, redemption, and acceptance. Just for a moment lets step back into this story. There was a well along the way which Jesus needed to travel called, "Jacob's Well." Jesus knew at the sixth hour, a woman would be there. A woman lost in sin, a woman without God and without hope. Jesus knew! What this woman didn't know, she was just about to stumble across a precious treasure! God knows us by name. Scripture tells us that Jesus inscribed our names on the palm of His hands. (Isaiah 49:16). He knows our hidden thoughts, He sees our unspoken words and He understands our deepest sighs. The woman at the well teaches us that God loves us in spite of our bankrupt lives. He chooses to love the least lovable people. I wonder what the Samaritan woman would look like today? If you've ever felt unworthy, remember..."We love God because He first loved us! (1 John 4:19.)

"Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, "Give Me a drink" you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water." John 4:10.

"We are never too broken for God!"

Sweetest Blessings,

God Knows

2024-07-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

God Knows

Written by King David...Psalm 139:1-6

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me.

You know my sitting down and my rising up;

You understand my thoughts afar off.

You comprehend my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word on my tongue,

But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.

You have hedged me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

It is high, I cannot attain it.”

God Knows...I absolutely adore Psalm 139. I have quoted sections of this Psalm over and over again in my life as it has become one of the most precious examples to me of how intimately the Lord knows and loves me. What if we really believed these words of Scripture. They are powerful truths that need locked into every believers heart. We see how God is gloriously in every detail of our life. How He knows our actions and reactions. He knows our thoughts and our future. He knows exactly where we are and what doing. He knows our concern, our fears and our heartaches. He knows our getting up and our going to bed. He knows our coming in and going out. He knows our frustrations, sadness, illness and heartaches. That's hope when our faith wans. Assurance when we can't see what lies ahead. Love when we feel alone, hope when there's no hope. How comforting to know that all the days of our life are seen by God, from the lowest place to the highest praise. What wonderful grace! God Knows!

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties, and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23.

"The very hands that held each of us as they formed and molded and knit us together, are the same hands that stretched out on a cross to redeem us from our sin."

Sweetest Blessings,

To God Be The Glory

2024-07-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

To God Be The Glory

"If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14.

But God...Two words that changed everything for Bible believing Christians this past week. I would be remiss not to give God the glory! Last week began and ended with a shift like none other in my lifetime. We all watched in horror as our President was shot and than behold...We Watched God Step In! "If My people pray!" Words I heard over and over in my mind! It was nothing less than Gods grace that is simply amazing! Oh, what a beautiful picture of God's steadfast love and faithfulness towards believers for His glory! (Psalm 115:1). We don’t normally experience a ‘but God’ moment when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and all is well with our world. God moments are those that are usually required when there is no hope other than God. I can hardly wait to see the ending of this story! Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God, in the power of God, for the glory of God.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To God be the glory forevermore." Romans 11:36.

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” C.S. Lewis.

Sweetest Blessings,

Don't worry...Be Happy!

2024-07-14T13:34:00.001-07:00

Don't worry...Be Happy!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7.

Overcoming Worry...Right! This is sort of like telling a person not to breathe! There's no doubt that the times we are living in are very troubling. The current state of affairs in the world is spawning anxiety and worry amongst many people. Since we can’t control it, we are tempted to worry about it. Satan's not just looking to destroy the people that have no clue, He knows if you want to bring a Kingdom down you have to go after it's warriors. (I Peter 5:8.) At this point, self-evaluation becomes important to close all the cracks that the enemy can enter. Make a decision today not to worry about tomorrow. Think ahead, plan ahead, but do not worry ahead. If you need victory over anxiety this side of Heaven, remind yourself Jesus died on the cross to overcome every oppressive spirit. The word 'fear' is written in the Bible 365 times. One Scripture for everyday of the year. This is the moment to remind yourselves of a victorious God. There is no place, no matter how much you feel alone, that God cannot be. Take heart...Jesus reigns above it all!

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you may have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:13.

"When the problems start even before you’re fully awake, it is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength, carrying two days at once."

Sweetest Blessings,