Moment by Moment Grace

Floyd's doctor told me yesterday that his condition continues to be stable.  Floyd is peaceful, and being well cared for.

I got the first part of the report from my recent medical tests this week.  My oncologist said it was good news!  There is no new tumor growth, and the cancer hasn't spread.  She said I'm recovering well from all I went through in Nov. and Dec.  It was encouraging to get her feedback!  

The first 3 episodes of season 2 of The Chosen have been released recently.  I've been waiting for the new season as I so enjoyed season 1, which I had watched a number of times!  As I watched these 3 new episodes, it made me want to read the books of Matthew and John again in the New Testament - so I've been doing that.  This passage from Matthew 10:40-42 stood out to me:

"Whoever receives you, receives me, and whoever receives me receives the One who sent me.  Whoever receives a prophet because he is God's messenger will share a prophet's reward.  And whoever welcomes a good and godly man because he follows me will also share in his reward.  And whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of my humble disciples, I promise you, he will not go unrewarded."

My heart filled with gratitude as I read this passage.  So many of those who read my updates have given "a cup of cold water" to Floyd and me.  Their love, prayers, gifts, encouraging words and care in so many ways have ministered to us.  I don't think we'd have made it without that!  I am so, so very grateful!  The refreshing "cold water" that has been extended to us has helped us persevere!  

As I've read through the book of Matthew, I've been impressed afresh with how many healing miracles Jesus performed.  It has increased my faith to keep praying for miracles - not just for us, but for so many dear friends and relatives who are in need of a miracle.  Jesus is the same yesterday and today!  I'm asking Him for miracles.

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."  Philippians 1:3

This past week we've had a big fire here in Cape Town on Table Mountain.  You may have seen it on the news as it made international headlines.  It's still uncertain how it started Sunday morning but it spread very quickly because of things being so dry and the humidity level being low.  In no time at all, it was raging out of control.  Firemen were brought in from around the area, water dropping helicopters were working furiously, and people on the ground were spraying water where possible.  The fire raged for 2 days.

Thankfully there was no loss of life, and only a few injuries.  But several buildings were burned on the UCT campus including the library which lost many priceless documents.  Some homes were lost.  An iconic windmill from 1796 was destroyed.  Thousands had to be evacuated.  People have pulled together to help one another. 

As I followed the news and watched everything unfold, it reminded me yet again that our lives can change in an instant.  When we're going through a hard time, we often ask the Lord for grace and strength for the "big picture" of what we're facing.  We need that.  But we have no idea of what will happen that we can't see.  I've come to realize more and more that I need "moment-by-moment" grace and strength.  There are so many variables that come along that I had no idea about - some big, unexpected "fires."  I couldn't make it without His sufficient provision for the moment.  It keeps me close to Him as I rely on that step-by-step help.  I'm so very grateful that He's with me on every twist and turn of the journey......especially the unexpected ones.

"My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in  Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."  Matthew 6:8

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."  Psalm 23:1 

"Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights."  Habakkuk 3:19

Our unexpected journey has been long, but God's faithful moment-by-moment grace has carried me through.  He has never failed me!

While I Wait I Will Worship

Floyd's condition has remained stable this week.  I'm so grateful for the sweet team that takes care of Floyd.  I regularly pray blessings on them.

I'm in a time when I need to do medical checkups, scans, laboratory tests, etc.  It's always stressful when I have to do this.  The mind so easily goes to the "what ifs."  I purposely choose not to worry, but I no sooner battle the thoughts of anxiety and get rid of them - and then they pop up all over again.  It's a daily challenge.

It doesn't help that I'm having to wait for results.  My oncologist herself just had surgery and is recovering.  I have to wait until she is well enough to return to her practice before I can get the reports of the tests I've been doing.

As I've been asking the Lord to help me not worry, I've felt challenged to recall His faithfulness, His provision, and His answers to prayer in the past.  It's easy to get "spiritual amnesia" and forget all He's done for us.  There is power in recalling His goodness from times past as we trust Him for help in the present!  We can no sooner have an answer to prayer and then we move on to the next need.  We forget what He's just done for us.  If we're not careful, we can even complain.

This happened with the children of Israel.  God delivered them from Egypt - parted the Red Sea so they could cross - provided manna in the desert with a pillar of cloud to guide them by day and a pillar of fire by night....and yet they forgot and complained!

As I face the future with all the unknowns, the things I can so easily worry about, I am consciously choosing to "remember."  I am focusing on all the wonderful ways He has led us, helped us, healed us, provided for us, and met our every need.  It truly helps to dispel worry as I do that.

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me."  Isaiah 46:9

"Take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."  Deuteronomy 6:12

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old."  Psalm 77:11 

"I will remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done."  Psalm 143:5

Just a few months ago when I was in the hospital, God saved my life!  I don't have to go back very far to "remember" His goodness and faithfulness.  I know I can trust Him with whatever the future holds.  I'm in His loving hands.

Waiting is challenging, often frustrating.  None of us like it.  Waiting in a traffic jam.  Waiting for a traffic light to turn green.  Waiting in line at the grocery store.  Waiting in the reception area for an appointment.  Waiting on the phone to speak to someone while being told "your call is important to us."  Waiting to recover from illness.  Waiting, waiting, waiting.  The list of situations when we've waited is endless.  Right now the whole world is waiting for the pandemic to end.

But waiting doesn't need to be wasted time.  There are valuable lessons to be learned and gleaned as we wait.  In the last 5 years on our unexpected journey, I've learned so much.  I don't know what's still ahead, but I've come to appreciate the journey, the waiting, because of all that I've encountered along the way.  Most importantly, I'm very aware that God has a plan......but there have been some detours on the way to seeing the fulfillment of that plan.

As we wait for whatever has been delayed in our life, it's so important to make sure our trust in the Lord isn't undermined.  God uses the delays, the waiting to prepare us for whatever is ahead.  In fact, we probably wouldn't be able to handle what's ahead without the lessons He's bringing while we wait.  Our place is to persevere, and to be grateful for what we have as we wait.  And we're not alone.  God is right with us in the waiting.

Whining, complaining, and arguing doesn't help!  We might be tempted to "remind" God of things.....but He's in control.  What we're going through probably will not change us - but our response to what we're going through most certainly will!  All we control is our attitude, our response, our heart.  If the situation changes but our heart is not in the right place with God, then we won't be fully able to receive what God has for us.

Waiting isn't forever - although it may seem that way at times.  There is blessing on the other side of waiting!  I think of Abraham, of Hannah, and others.  They kept hope alive in their hearts as they waited.  They kept trusting God.  They persevered.  They worshipped.  

As the lyrics of the song by Lincoln Brewster say, “While I wait, I will worship”.  Perhaps that's the most important thing in our waiting......is that we keep a heart of worship towards the Lord and what He's doing in our lives.  He deserves our worship in every season of our lives.  He is faithful and trustworthy!

"Since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him!"  Isaiah 64:4

"If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."  Romans 8:25

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise."  Hebrews 10:23

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

Waiting is part of the journey to the things God has for us.  We may not always like it, but waiting has valuable lessons for us to learn.  And, thankfully, because God is right with us in the waiting - we can ask for His grace and strength to wait with the right heart and attitude.  He'll help us wait!

Focus on Seeing Jesus

Floyd has been more settled this week, I’m very grateful for that and for all the prayers that have been lifted up for him.

I hope you had a blessed Easter weekend.  I had the joy of celebrating with a few friends in the garden of one of the friends.  Except for medical appointments and my time in the hospital, I have been in isolation at home for over a year.  It was indeed a special "joy" to see some friends and to celebrate together - although very carefully as my immune system is still rather low.

On Good Friday, I was thanking Jesus for all He did for us through His death and resurrection.  My heart overflowed with gratitude because I know I couldn't make it without Him.  He is my everything!

There are times when the needs and pressures of life press in so intensely that they are mainly what I "see."  My focus is on the suffering, the weakness.  The Lord has been encouraging me to "see" Him instead of my needs.  I find that it usually takes a conscious effort to do that.  The needs are often so big, so heavy, so overwhelming that it's hard to focus beyond them.  But as I stop and change my focus, when I "see" Jesus clearly......see who He is and what He's done for me.....then the needs become so much less intense.  In my mind's eye, it's like focusing a pair of binoculars.  I need to not focus on what's right in front of me - but focus on who Jesus is all around me.  He is there, offering His strength, grace, and help.  I just need to see Him, whisper His name, and take hold of His hand.

I read recently that if you're caught in a lightning storm, out in the open with no protection - you should kneel down, tuck your arms in, and go as low as you can to the ground.  If lightning strikes, you won't be as likely a conductor of the lightning bolt because you're so low.  "Maximum safety depends on keeping a low physical profile."

I immediately started thinking about facing the storms of life - those pressures I spoke of above.  My safety is in bowing before the Lord, humbling myself before Him, "seeing" Him - not the storm.  I am bowing my heart before Him.  I'm focusing on all He's done for me.  I'm resting in Him and receiving afresh from His loving hand.  

"I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  Psalm 59:16

"We're depending on God; He's everything we need.  What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own His holy name.  Love us, God, with all you've got - that's what we're depending on."  Psalm 33:20-22  The Message 

"Because you have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice."  Psalm 63:7

Over the Easter weekend, my heart has been stirred as I've meditated on the resurrection victory of Jesus to trust Him for miracles.  When we don't see them in answer to our prayers, I think it's easy to let our faith get weak or lazy.  I'm asking God to increase my faith, and to help me trust Him more actively for miracles.  He is a miracle working God!  He is still moving with resurrection power miracles today.  I'm trusting to see them, to experience them!

I read about a man who had a weather vane on his barn that said "God is love."  When asked why it said that, he told them that it was a reminder to him.  "No matter which way the wind blows, God is love."  How simple, but how profound - and how true!  No matter what "weather" comes our way - God is love.  God is faithful.  God is sufficient.  God is with us.  God is good.  God is working in our lives to accomplish His plans and purposes.  Whatever way the wind blows in our lives - God is there with whatever we need.  And He's still working miracles!

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  Hebrews 13:8

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield."  Psalm 33:20

"For I, the Lord, do not change."  Malachi 3:6

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."  Isaiah 40:8

"Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable."  Isaiah 40:28

What a sweet assurance it is to know that our wonderful God is unchanging, and still in the business of performing miracles.  He is so good and so faithful!

Praise Gets me Through the Day

Floyd has had some rough days.  I hate knowing he is suffering.  It always weighs heavy on my heart.  I'm grateful for his loving, caring doctor.  Together, we try to think of everything we can do to make Floyd comfortable.  I continue to pray for healing or heaven for him.

I was recently reminded of something that took place many years ago when we lived in the Dutch countryside while pioneering a training, discipling, and rehab center.  It was a beautiful area for our children to play.  One of the properties bordered a forest.  The children were told to play on our grounds, but not to go into the forest because they might get lost.

One day two of the children decided they wanted to see what was in the forest.  It wasn't long before they were lost and didn't know how to find their way out.  An old lady came along who said she lived in the forest, and she told them how to get back to where they came from.  When they told their parents what had happened, they said "no one lives in the forest!"  Of course we think an "old lady" angel helped them find their way! 

I had forgotten about this.  When I was reminded of it recently, I couldn't help but wonder how many times angels have helped us in various ways without our being aware of it!  I think it's probably been lots of times - for all of us.  We just don't realize that God is sending angels to watch over us.  We've probably even seen angels, but didn't know what we were seeing. :) 

Once on an outreach some vicious guard dogs were running towards us ready to attack.  All we could do was stand still and pray.  The dogs ran right up to us, then turned and ran off - never touching or harming us.  God had put some kind of protective shield around us to protect us.  Many people came to the Lord that day as we shared the Gospel.  God had a plan for those dear people and wasn't going to let some dogs get in the way!

Another time Floyd was speaking in a church.  A lady asked why Floyd travelled with a security guard.  She had seen a tall man standing guard behind Floyd as he spoke.  Floyd has never hired a security guard even though there were times he might have wished he had one - especially when we lived and worked in the red light district in Amsterdam.  His life was regularly threatened in those days.  Why there was an angel with Floyd in that church we'll never know!

I'm so grateful for the Lord's protection - in whatever way He sends it.  I'm sure He has protected us in countless ways on our unexpected journey these last few years.  And I know He is with each of you.  I'm so very grateful for His watchcare, and, yes, for angels when He sends them our way.

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"  Hebrews 1:14

"He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."  Psalm 91:11

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:2 

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them."  Psalm 34:7 

"Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared."  Exodus 23:20

I often pray for angels to keep Floyd company in this season when we can't visit him.  I pray for ministering angels to help him in his suffering.  And I pray for angels to keep us safe from all harm and danger.

I pray for angels to be with each of you - to guard you, protect you, and encourage you!  Maybe He'll even let you see them. :)

Praise is what gets me through each day!  On days when my strength is lagging, I speak out gratitude that He is my strength in weakness.  When sadness makes my heart heavy over Floyd's situation, I rejoice in God's goodness and faithfulness, and thank Him that His grace is sufficient for every need, even Floyd's needs!  When it's hard to keep persevering, I thank Him that He has won the victory over everything I'm facing and that He will help me.  When physical aches and pains poke their heads up, I thank the Lord for His healing touch.  He has relieved my pain over and over again!  We "live and move and have our being" in Him - and powerfully so as we worship Him.

I know I've shared about it before, but I have been reminded again so significantly how important it is to praise the Lord - even when we don't feel like it.....especially when we don't feel like it!  When I am struggling in some way I need to choose to speak out praise and worship......then something happens!!  The burden gets lighter.  The weights are lifted from my heart.  My emotions turn to joy.  My mind can think clearer.  Praise to our Lord is an awesome gift and tool that God has given us.  He deserves the praise - but He uses it to turn around to bless and help us!

Heaviness, worry, discouragement, and sadness disappear in the face of worship.  The joy that comes in worship begins to flood over us as we worship!  We're instructed in the Word to worship - because God is worthy and deserves our worship.  But He knew it would be for our good too!  The radiance of His presence, of who He is, shines through the worship into the depths of our souls. 

" 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.' "  Acts 17:28

"I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble."  Psalm 59:16

"In your name they rejoice all day long, and in your righteousness they are exalted."  Psalm 89:16

"I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."  Psalm 13:5

I've always been aware of the power of worship - especially in our time in Afghanistan and in the Red Light District in Amsterdam, but I've learned a new aspect of it, a new depth of its power, during these years on our unexpected journey.  In the midst of physical and emotional suffering I've been so grateful for the ministry and power of worship!  It's a gift to us from the Father.

The Number of Our Days

Floyd's condition has remained stable this week.  Since day 1 of Floyd's illness I have "released" him to the Lord.  I've stood by his bed and prayed release.  I've spoken it over him.  I've prayed it daily in my quiet times - hundreds, thousands of times.  I've told Floyd that it's okay if he goes to be with Jesus - that I'll be okay.  I mentioned recently in an update that before his surgery our family stood by his bed and released him to the Lord.  I continue to pray for healing or heaven for him.

I had a check-up consult with my oncologist.  She said that for everything I've been through and for as low as I went during my time in the hospital - I'm doing "amazingly well."  That was so nice to hear!  

Recently I wrote that I trust God's sovereignty that He knows the "number of our days."  All I can do is release Floyd into God's loving hands, but God is the one who will take him home.  Again I say that I don't understand the unexpected journey we are on, but I continually sense that God is involved in it.  I doubt that I'll fully understand until I'm with the Lord in eternity.  But that's okay.  I trust Him with all my heart.

I know that many of you reading this can identify with what I have gone through, what I am saying.  You are also caring for loved ones who are enduring a long season of illness.  My heart goes out to you because I so understand.  I pray for healing or heaven for your dear one.  And I pray for grace and strength for you as you care for them.  Walking beside our loved one as they suffer is not easy - definitely not for the faint of heart!  But God walks right beside us to help us on the journey.

When God takes our loved one home, yes there will be sadness in the goodbye.  But we will also be able to rejoice that our dear one is with Jesus and no longer suffering.  I don't know when that day will come for Floyd.  All I can do is keep releasing him into God's good, loving, and faithful hands!

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."  Matthew 10:29-31

"Ah, sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you."  Jeremiah 32:17

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."  Proverbs 19:21

I've found in releasing Floyd to the Lord, it lifts the burden of his situation from my heart into God's loving care.  I know God loves Floyd more than I ever can, and He'll do what's best for him.  

I've just finished reading a book by Darlene Cunnigham called "Values Matter" (stories of the beliefs and values that shaped Youth With A Mission).  It brought back so many memories from our 35 years of serving with YWAM.  Those values are part of who we are today.  I'm so grateful for the "DNA" that was imparted to us.

It's made me think of how important it is to establish the foundation stones of values in our lives.  It's what helps us when we face an "unexpected journey."  Those beliefs and values, along with our personal walk with the Lord, help us when we face a sudden loss, a time of suffering, a prolonged illness, or any of the other bumps in the road of life.  If we don't have those foundations in place, we will not be able to withstand the uneven road as we journey along.

As I look back over the last few years and all we've faced, I'm so grateful for how God prepared me for this season by what He had built into my life.  I could never have made it without those strong foundations - the solid rock of everything He had taught me.  Everything that is part of who I am has helped me navigate what I've faced.

And it's never too late to learn and grow!  I'm still doing that.  I'm still strengthening those foundations, still learning more of God's ways, still putting my roots down deeper and deeper.  It's a continual process until we step into eternity.

"We walk by faith, not by sight."  2 Corinthians 5:7

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."  Psalm 46:1-3

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."  Psalm 31:24

"Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."  Isaiah 40:31

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of gods, for His steadfast love endures forever.  Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His steadfast love endures forever."  Psalm 136:1-3

I am so grateful for that steadfast love!  And I'm grateful for all that has been built into my life.  Those foundation stones of truth have given me a secure footing for all I've walked through.  God is so good and faithful!

God Never Puts Us On Hold

Floyd has had some days this past week of not doing well.  As I have all along our journey, I prayed for healing or heaven.  His condition stabilized in the last few days.  I continue to trust God for Floyd's future but I'm glad he's doing better and is resting peacefully.

I have been trying to call a traffic office about a fine I received.  The fine is from another province, it's not my car, it's not my license plate number, and the fine was issued on the day I was in surgery.  So, obviously, it's not for me!  But I have to deal with it.  As soon as I received the notice, I tried to call the office.  I waited endlessly "on hold" while I was told that "all agents are busy - please stay on the line."  I waited and waited and waited.  Finally I sent an email.

I repeated this process a couple days later, only to be "on hold" endlessly again.  I sent another email.  This happened over and over.

Finally I spoke to someone which then meant I had to send in pages and pages of information.  I was told that what I sent might be lost, so I should keep copies in case I needed to send it again - not very confidence building about the process!  Everything has been done - and I still feel "on hold" as I've had no response.  It's beyond frustrating.

I was thinking about all this.....and the most wonderful thought went through my mind.  God never ever puts us "on hold!"  He is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and we never have to wait because He's busy!  He is only a whisper away as we call on Him.  He hears us right away when we call.  We may not always get the answer we want  - His ways and wisdom are higher than ours, but He will always, always listen and bring comfort to our hearts.  He strengthens us, encourages us, and gives sufficient grace to us.  He never leaves us all alone.  We never have to fear being put "on hold" when we call on His name.  

"For He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

"The Lord of hosts is with us."  Psalm 46:7

"Your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.' "  Isaiah 30:21

The Lord "takes our calls" for any need we have.  Big or small.  Anytime.  Anywhere.  He never puts us "on hold."  I am so grateful for this.  I couldn't have survived this unexpected journey if I hadn't been able to call on Him at every point of need.  Thank you Lord!

Someone reminded me recently of a sweet memory.  It was in the early weeks of Floyd's illness.  A dear pastor friend came to visit at the hospital.  He stood by Floyd's bed, holding both my hand and Floyd's, and said "Floyd will not live a day longer or shorter than God intends."  I had forgotten about this, and found it lovely to be reminded of that sweet visit.

I realize it touches on a big theology issue.  I've heard so many viewpoints and opinions, and I don't want to start a discussion about the topic.....but what it did for me is remind me that God is 100% involved in our lives.  Whether we live or die is in His hands, and He is so, so trustworthy!  If I didn't have the assurance of this, I don't think I could keep going day by day.  I have seen God at work in our lives, I've seen Him intervene on so many occasions, and I trust Him to fulfil every plan and purpose He has for us.

And on the hard days I trust in His sufficient grace!  God has never failed us.  He is so good, so faithful, so loving and kind.

"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  Psalm 139:16

"You have decided the length of our lives.  You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer."  Job 14:4 NLT

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."  Psalm 90:12

"My times are in your hands."  Psalm 31:15 

The Gift of Laughter

This week I checked with the doctor because I wanted to make sure they still play worship music for Floyd, and she said that the nurses do that every day.  I'm so grateful for the loving, personal care they give Floyd.  I continually pray blessing for the hospital staff. 

I was watching a movie recently that showed a scene in a hospital chapel.  It took me back right away in my mind to something that happened about a week into Floyd's illness.  The doctors had told us that Floyd needed emergency surgery.  Our whole family had arrived by then.  We gathered around Floyd's bed to pray for him - committing Him to the Lord and His will.  They told us they didn't think he'd survive the surgery, but he definitely wouldn't survive without it.  The family then gathered in the waiting room to await the outcome.

My daughter and I went to the little chapel down the hall - to sit quietly and to pray.  As we sat there, we noticed a sign on the wall:  "wash your hands and say your prayers - 'coz germs and Jesus are everywhere."  We both burst out laughing!  It was a welcome release to all the tension.

Thinking back to this event reminded me of what a gift laughter is!  Laughter releases endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals.  Endorphins help promote an overall sense of well-being, and can even help relieve pain.  I remember when our daughter was sick for a few years, and in a lot of pain.  We were encouraged to watch funny movies in order to promote the healing benefit of laughter.  It was a good "medicine."  Both Floyd and our daughter have what I call "contagious laughter."  If one of them started laughing, it spread.  I often miss Floyd's laugh - it always made me feel better.

Laughter isn't just something our body does - it's a provision of the Lord for help in our health.  It relieves stress, tension, and anxiety.  It boosts our immune system.  It relieves pain, and helps us deal with difficult situations.  God certainly knew what He was doing when he created us to laugh.   Mayo Clinic in the U.S. agrees.  It says that "laughter really is a great medicine!"  And there's no harmful side effects!!

I once did a study on "smiling."  Many of the same benefits come from a simple smile as come from laughter.....and it takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown.  Smiling can lower your blood pressure, make you feel good, help keep you positive, and even help us look younger!

And smiling is very contagious!  I've tried it with grumpy sales clerks!  A smile almost always produces a smile in return - and combined with a kind work.....it's close to miraculous in its impact.

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  Proverbs 17:22

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh."  Ecclesiastes 3:4

"A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed."  Proverbs 15:13

"Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh."  Luke 6:21

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, 'the Lord has done great things for them.' "  Psalm 126:2

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouting."  Job 8:21

So - back to the time in the hospital......we waited for hours while Floyd was in surgery.  The doctors finally came out and said that when they went to operate, the problem that had been shown on scans and on an MRI was gone!  They even yelled at the technicians thinking they had made a mistake in their reading of the scans.  There was nothing there, so they sent him back to ICU.  The head doctor came to me and said "I think you got the miracle you said you were praying for!"

It was just one in a series of many miracles we saw.  I don't understand everything about this unexpected journey, but I know God has been with us.  There have been tears, prayers, waiting, and even laughter along the way.....and God has walked closely with us through everything.  He has been so faithful!

He is FOR Us

Things are pretty much the same for both Floyd and me.  We keep praying for both of our healing and breakthrough, whatever that may look like. 

As I move forward into a new year on our journey, I realize I need a fresh release of courage from the Lord.  My heart and my body are weary from all that's happened in the last 5 years.  I have purposed in my heart to move forward, but I know I can't do it in my own strength.

I was reading about Peter walking on the water.  Jesus told him to "come," and Peter was doing fine.  Then he focused on the wind and the waves, and began to sink.  It's a good example of how we need to keep our focus on Jesus - not on ourselves, not on circumstances, not on what's happening around us - but ONLY on Him!!  I remind myself of that daily as I face various challenges.

In just the last few days I have had a number of unexpected and difficult things come my way.  With my limited strength, if I'm not careful, I can get overwhelmed with those things.  I have to continually remind myself to keep looking to Jesus - to ask for fresh help and courage from Him.  He has been and will be faithful!

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' "  Isaiah 41:13

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

"Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid.' "  Matthew 14:27

I find it's important to actively calm my heart and mind, and listen to His voice.  He is with me, and He brings peace to the winds and waves around me - and He ministers courage to my heart.  I'm so grateful.

I still battle with sleep some nights.  In particular, I wake up a lot and then try to get back to sleep.  One night this week as I was laying awake, I felt the Lord speaking to my heart that He is FOR us!  All of us.  I think the enemy tries to get us to believe that God is against us if we fail or make mistakes.  But, even in our weakness, in our mistakes, in our need, in our sin - God is always FOR us.

The Bible tells us that God grieves over our sin.  It separates us from Him.  I'm sure He is disappointed and sad over mistakes we make.  But His loving, Father heart always pursues us.  He willingly forgives us as we repent.  We are His creation, His children and He never turns His back on us.  He is Fully, Overwhelmingly, Radically FOR us - always!  He loves us with an eternal, unending love.

I think of times when I've made mistakes, when I've sinned - I'm the one who pulls away from Him!  I'm embarrassed, ashamed, and I withdraw.  But as soon as I get over myself and turn to the Lord, He's always FOR me, ready to forgive and give me new beginnings.  He doesn't shower me with guilt.  He doesn't hang my mistakes over my head.  He forgives.  He loves me.  He brings peace back to my heart.  He tells me He is FOR me!  Nothing can separate us from His loving, Father heart.

I have rejoiced in recent days, after that middle-of-the-night reminder, in thanking God that He is FOR us.  The enemy may try to distract us, deceive us, or discourage us......but the clear truth of the Word is that God is FOR us - today, tomorrow, always.  What a wonderful promise that is!

"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38,39

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him."  Psalm 18:30

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:  who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies."  Psalm 103:1-4

How grateful I am that we serve a God who is FOR us.  He is good and kind.  He is faithful and unchanging.  I love and praise Him!

He Cares about Details

We have a long deck on our house.  Every day, twice a day, I do "deck walking" back and forth for exercise.  As I was walking one day this week, I noticed some tiny flowers on one of the potted plants on the deck.  I don't ever remember the plant blooming before.  The flowers are tiny, tiny.  At the top of this post is a picture of them.

As I looked at them, I marvelled at God's attention to detail in something so small.  It reminded me again that God is involved in and cares about the details in our lives.  I'm so grateful that I can take every care, every concern, every need to Him.  He hears my pleas and helps me.  He's never too busy.  Nothing is too insignificant to Him.

Recently I've been concerned about several things.  As I'm working on my recovery, I am trying to be careful about what I eat.  One day I realized that things were "eating me" as I carried these concerns on my heart.  I took time to one by one give my concerns - my burdens and anxieties - to Him.  It felt good to lighten the load I was carrying.  Seeing the tiny flowers was a good reminder that we serve a God who cares about details.

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved."  Psalm 55:22

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father."  Matthew 10:29

"The very hairs of your head are all numbered."  Luke 12:7

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

The little details that we bring to the Lord are just a small part of all the great things He is doing - but they matter to Him because He cares about us.  I love the Father's caring heart for me and you! 

This week was tender for me.  Tuesday marked 5 years since Floyd became ill.  It still seems so surreal when I think it…I could never, ever have imagined what was ahead on our very "unexpected journey."

Along with caring for Floyd, I have been fighting my own battle with ovarian cancer.  But God has walked faithfully beside me each step of the way - and many friends have helped care for me.

And, of course, there has been a pandemic thrown into the mix so I spent a lot of time in isolation.  It really, really does seem like such a crazy, unbelievable journey.  I've been reflecting on it in recent days.

Recently I've been listening to a song called "You're Still God" by Philippa Hanna.  As I've been reflecting over the past 5 years, the words of this song are my anthem cry.  He's Still God!  Regardless of what has happened, what has gone wrong, what has been hard - God is still God!  He hasn't changed.  He's still on the throne.  He is still loving and faithful. He has been my "constant" in the midst of everything else that has happened.

The words of the song say it all: 

"When all foundations have been shaken
When I'm left standing in the dark
And all I feel is my heart breaking
You still reign and You're still God

And when it feels all hope has faded
The heavy questions hit so hard
And though my soul may feel forsaken
You still reign and You're still God

Though I can't see what's before me
I know that I can trust Your heart
And this one truth will be my story
You still reign and You're still God

I will declare that You are with me
Though voices whisper that You're not
You'll never leave me nor forsake me
'Cause You still reign and You're still God

And when my enemies surround me
I'll trust the victory of Your cross
And fix my eyes upon You Jesus
For You are God and I am not

You are good and You are faithful
As You have been from the start
You're working all things for Your glory
'Cause You still reign and You're still God"

One of the great blessings that has come from this time is a depth of fellowship and intimacy with the Lord beyond anything I had ever known before.  It has been a precious, sweet surprise on the journey.  In the midst of so many hard things, I had to turn to Him over and over in my weakness and ask for His grace and strength.  He has given it willingly, and has surrounded me with His love and comfort.  This has been a treasure beyond anything I could ever have imagined. 

I'm not a masochist - I haven't "enjoyed" the trials, the suffering - but I wouldn't want to go back to how it was before in my walk with the Lord!  This has been too great a treasure.  I am profoundly grateful.  God has surrounded me and carried me in ways I didn't even know were possible.

I've learned that I don't need to fear what is ahead because God is greater than anything I may face.  I don't know what's still ahead, so I cling to that truth even now!  He will faithfully be with me in whatever is still to come.  He is still God!

"Though the Lord brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love."  Lamentations 3:32

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I hope in Him!' "  Lamentations 3:22-24

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."  Exodus 14:14

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."  Psalm 23:4

I have walked through the "valley of the shadow of death" more than once - but He has fought for me, He has kept me from falling, He has been my refuge.  His unfailing love has surrounded me.  I have not been consumed because of His compassions.  He has been so, so, so faithful!  I can't praise Him enough.

And because of the truth of God's promises, I am confident that God has been equally faithful to Floyd in his situation.  I can't wait to talk about it with him someday, and praise the Lord together. 

The Light of God Himself

Floyd remains pretty much the same.  We continue to pray for his comfort, peace and healing and are so grateful for the prayers of so many around the world. 

I’m ever thankful for the prayers for my recovery too.  I've not been feeling well lately, but God has given me day by day strength.  Recovery just takes time.

A friend of mine went to a conference in the pre-pandemic days.  The speaker asked them to write down 3 words:  before, beside, and behind.  She then explained each one.

The "before" refers to those who have had input into your life - teaching, coaching, mentoring, working alongside.  We all have lots of those people in our lives.

The "beside" are those who are walking with you in life - especially in whatever current season you are in.  On my unexpected journey I'm so grateful for family, friends, co-workers, and all of you reading this who are praying for us.  I have been surrounded by love, care and prayers.  I'm so grateful that I haven't been alone during this hard time.  I have had times of feeling lonely, but I've not felt alone.  I so appreciate all those who are beside me.

The "behind" is for those whose lives we have impacted in some way and they are coming behind us on life's journey.  Whether it's 1 person or 1000, we are to be passing on what we're learning and sharing God's love and care.  

I'm so grateful for those who have been before me.  I wouldn't be who I am without them.  I thank the Lord daily for those who are beside me.  They have truly helped carry me on my journey.  And I hope and pray that there are many behind me.  That has been what Floyd and I have desired during our years in ministry.  

I often say that we may not be rich in worldly goods, but we are rich in the gift of people that we've had in our lives.  I'm so grateful for that precious gift!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father."  James 1:17

"There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."  1 Corinthians 12:5,6

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."  1 Peter 4:10,11

I am keenly aware that as I've walked our unexpected journey I couldn't have made it without the Lord's sustaining grace.....and I am so grateful for each one who has walked beside me.  It has been good to think about the before, beside, and behind.....who those people are - and it's been wonderful to be able to lift up thanks to the Lord for all the precious people in our lives.  We are blessed!

A friend sent me a quote from Beth Moore recently that has stuck with me.  "Remember, God purposes to use every second of a divinely-ordained wait to build us into the individuals our future demands we be.  One most peculiar and exquisite experience of the faith is realizing that while you haven't seen answers or the way you should take, you've learned how to see the light of God Himself.  Right there in the blindness of your circumstances."

As I’ve thought back over my life together with Floyd, I was overwhelmed with how we've seen the "light of God Himself" in so many situations in our life.  We've not had the "answers" we always prayed for.....and we've often puzzled over "the way we should take" - but God's presence, His light has been with us each step of the way.

I also thought through these last few years on our unexpected journey.  Sooo many times I've called out to God for wisdom, strength, grace, direction and He has wonderfully, graciously shined His light into my life.  He's spoken to me in a myriad of ways.  I've felt His presence and comfort day by day.  He's never left me alone, on my own.  His love and light has been a constant companion.  I've felt "blind" in some situations, but He has always opened my eyes to see the right path.

I'm so very grateful for the "light of God Himself" that has shined  brightly on the long journey!

"Do not gloat over me, my enemy!  Though I have fallen, I will rise.  Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."  Micah 7:8

"You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."  Psalm 18:28

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."  Psalm 119:105

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  John 8:12

When we walk through hard times, through suffering - there is no darkness that the "light of God Himself" cannot penetrate!  He shines brightly into each and every situation we face.  How good and faithful He is.

God is in a Lifetime

Recently I have been reminded of how God has been with us day by day on this unexpected journey.  He has been so good and so faithful in the midst of a long, hard season.  I would never have survived without His daily grace and strength.

This led me into a time of thanking Him for His grace!  His grace is "enough" for each thing we face.  The well of His sufficiency never runs dry.  It is full to overflowing.  We can drink deeply from that well whenever we need His grace.  He isn't upset with us in any way because we are in need of that grace - He planned it and provided it for us!

I've been thinking of this, pondering it, worshipping Him - and then someone sent me the following.  It's profound and beautiful.  It's taken from @commoners.communion.

"God is in a lifetime.  Not just little wins and easy changes.

The smoothest stones in a river are the ones who have stayed the longest.  Even the roughest boulders can turn into spheres under enough persistent water.

We are all those boulders, rough and unable in so many ways to take the easy wins when it comes to changing ourselves and growing more godly.

Our sin can feel as ingrained and heavy as rock, immovable and unchangeable, even with our greatest tools at hand.

But Christ invites us to come, sit under his constant gentle flow, day in and day out, that in a lifetime we may take the image his persistent grace affords us.

I have to keep reminding myself that my transformation isn't about days, weeks, months and with some things, even years.

It's about trusting God's persistence with me, his patience, his kindness, and most importantly, his longevity."

I'm so glad He's with us for the long haul! 

"The Lord has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:28,29 

" 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' say the Lord, who has compassion on you."  Isaiah 54:10

He is good.  And He always has good in store for us - even in the midst of hard seasons.  Our unexpected journey has been hard, but there has been so, so much of His goodness in the midst of it!  I can't thank Him enough. 

I think we are sometimes under the assumption that if we live a Godly life and make the right choices that things will go well with us and we won't have problems.  It's certainly very important that we do both of those things!  That's what the word tells us to do.

But we can easily forget that we live in a fallen world - a world filled with sin, sickness, and evil.  Unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world.  We are impacted by the ungodliness around us in many ways.  Sickness, pain, and suffering come our way in this fallen world.

Some months ago someone sent me a teaching on Caleb.  I've been pondering Caleb's example for a long time.  Caleb was one of the 12 spies sent by Moses to investigate the land of Canaan.  Caleb and Joshua saw that the land was bountiful - filled with the good things God had promised them.  They gave a positive report.  They said we can take it!  They had the faith and the obedience to trust God's promise.  But the other 10 spies gave a very negative, pessimistic report that filled the people's hearts with fear and anger towards God.

As we all know, the children of Israel spent the next 40 years (a year for each day the spies had been sent out) wandering in the desert because of their unbelief and anger towards the Lord.  They took the word of the spies with the negative report, and they turned their hearts against God.

The thing that struck me was that Caleb and Joshua made the right choice - but they still had to go through the 40 years in the desert!  They were the only ones from the first generation that left Egypt who entered the land the Lord had promised to give them - but they had to go through the 40 years of suffering with all the others.  However, it also says that God strengthened Caleb.  "Here I am this day, eighty-five years old.  As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war."  Joshua 14:11

There's no indication that Caleb and Joshua were upset with God for those extra 40 years before they entered into what God had for them.  I'm sure it was hard - we can read in the Bible about some of the difficult things that happened in those 40 years.  But they remained steadfast and saw God fulfil His promises.

The thing that has spoken to my heart is that we aren't immune to hard things, suffering - even if we make all the right choices, even if our heart is turned fully towards God.  But - He'll help us and strengthen us as we go through the hard times.

I want to keep my heart steadfast towards the Lord as I continue to walk the path of our unexpected journey.  I hope it won't be 40 years!

"Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."  Joshua 21:45

"The Lord has done what He planned; He has fulfilled His word, which He decreed long ago."  Lamentations 2:17

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9

God has promised to be with us - to help us with whatever we go through - to strengthen us - to give us sufficient grace - to never leave us or forsake us.  Whatever we face in our fallen world, He will be with us - and He will fulfil His promises to us.  He is faithful!

Pre-Decide to Trust

Someone shared with me recently about how God had spoken to her.  One day she felt the Lord asked her if she would trust Him with whatever happened in her life......come what may, would she keep her eyes and focus on Him?  She said "yes" to Him.  She knew He would be with her in whatever good thing or sorrow might come.

Within days something very difficult happened in her life.  But she said because she had "pre-decided" what her focus would be, it helped carry her through some painful and difficult days.

I love that!  We can pre-decide our response to hard times!

It made me reflect on my life and Floyd's.  We had had conversations with God like my friend, and we committed our hearts to trust Him in trials......long before I was diagnosed with cancer and before he became sick.   

And I want to give testimony to how God has helped me, helped us, because of that decision.  Certainly it's been hard.  But God has faithfully helped me - and helped both of us when I first battled cancer before Floyd got sick.  There were some other things happening that made it a very difficult season.  But our decision was made - we'd trust God and keep our focus on Him.  It made all the difference in the world!

I'm purposing in my heart to keep "pre-deciding" to trust Him and keep my eyes, my focus on Him and Him alone.  A friend said to me recently, "If our trust is anywhere but in Jesus, we are lost.  It's just as simple as that."  So very true. 

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."  Psalm 143:8 

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  Isaiah 26:3 

"They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord."  Psalm 112:7 

"What consumes your mind controls your life."  I am pre-deciding to fill my mind and heart with thoughts of the goodness of the Lord.

I've often shared how God has spoken to my heart through His creation - the ocean, mountains, birds, flowers, trees, clouds, rainbows, etc.  I am constantly blessed by the beauty of what God has created for us to enjoy.  So many times on a hard day, I've seen something beautiful in creation, and it has ministered to my soul.  I think it's easy to be busy and miss the beauty around us that God wants to use to encourage us.

We recently had something unusual happen here.  I wasn't able to see it myself from my vantage point, but others shared photos.  It was a foggy morning, but there were a few rays of sunshine.  Out over the ocean there was what is called a "fogbow."  

Through the fog you can see a rainbow.....but the colors are obscured by the fog so it is white.  A totally white rainbow!  It's rare to see one.  In all the years we've lived here, I've never heard of anyone seeing one.  It's quite amazing.  

As I looked at the photos my heart was stirred by this unusual sighting.  There seem to continually be things for us to discover that God has created.  I love rainbows, but I would have never even thought of a white one!  God's power and might and awesome creativity blesses my heart.  And just think - the beauty we see around us is just a small foretaste of what heaven has in store for us!  I imagine God is still creating things for us to enjoy in eternity.

What a wonderful God we serve who has created the beauty around us to bless and encourage us!

"God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good."  Genesis 1:31

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork."  Psalm 19:1

"Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.  Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?  In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."  Job 12:7-10

"Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.  Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy."  Psalm 96:11,12

Through His wonderful creation God speaks to us, teaches us, encourages us, and provides for us.  How awesome He is to provide such beauty for us.  I am grateful for it!

Hang Onto Hope

• 2024
  • Oct 11, 2024 Contentment in All Things Oct 11, 2024
  • Oct 8, 2024 Saddle Up Anyway Oct 8, 2024
  • Oct 4, 2024 Remember When... Oct 4, 2024
  • Sep 27, 2024 Trust is a Way of Life Sep 27, 2024
  • Aug 23, 2024 Strengthened by Trials Aug 23, 2024
  • Aug 21, 2024 Lighting my Candle Aug 21, 2024
  • Aug 16, 2024 Immanuel - God with Me Aug 16, 2024
  • Aug 13, 2024 The Crown of Life Aug 13, 2024
  • Aug 9, 2024 God Room Aug 9, 2024
  • Aug 6, 2024 Miracle Working God Aug 6, 2024
  • Aug 2, 2024 Partaking in Christ's Suffering Aug 2, 2024
  • Jul 30, 2024 He's in the Simple Things Jul 30, 2024
  • Jul 23, 2024 We Need Jesus More Than Ever Jul 23, 2024
  • Jul 19, 2024 We are Not Alone Jul 19, 2024
  • Jul 16, 2024 Reminded of His Goodness Jul 16, 2024
  • Jul 9, 2024 Our Times are in His Hands Jul 9, 2024
  • Jul 5, 2024 Laughter is a Gift Jul 5, 2024
  • Jul 2, 2024 The Life Blood of Gratitude Jul 2, 2024
  • Jun 28, 2024 The Oxygen of Hope Jun 28, 2024
  • Jun 25, 2024 I Have the Lord Jun 25, 2024
  • Jun 21, 2024 Mountain Tops and Valleys Jun 21, 2024
  • Jun 7, 2024 An Undeserved Miracle Jun 7, 2024
  • Jun 4, 2024 God Has Been With Us Jun 4, 2024
  • May 31, 2024 Now What? May 31, 2024
  • May 28, 2024 Trust in God May 28, 2024
  • May 24, 2024 Friendship May 24, 2024
  • May 21, 2024 Be on Guard May 21, 2024
  • May 17, 2024 Hope for Each New Day May 17, 2024
  • Apr 5, 2024 Life is Like a Coin Apr 5, 2024
  • Apr 2, 2024 Peace Be with You Apr 2, 2024
  • Mar 29, 2024 A Good Day and a Sad Day Mar 29, 2024
  • Mar 22, 2024 Peace Like a River Mar 22, 2024
  • Mar 19, 2024 Step by Step Mar 19, 2024
  • Mar 15, 2024 Waiting is Hard Mar 15, 2024
  • Mar 12, 2024 Choose to Persevere Mar 12, 2024
  • Mar 5, 2024 Remember When Mar 5, 2024
  • Mar 1, 2024 He Hovers Over Us Mar 1, 2024
  • Feb 23, 2024 Don't Be Anxious Feb 23, 2024
  • Feb 20, 2024 Be Still Feb 20, 2024
  • Feb 13, 2024 His Unfailing Love Feb 13, 2024
  • Feb 9, 2024 Surrounded By His Peace Feb 9, 2024
  • Feb 2, 2024 Guard Our Tongue Feb 2, 2024
  • Jan 30, 2024 Don't Stop Praying Jan 30, 2024
  • Jan 23, 2024 He Provides Lavishly Jan 23, 2024
  • Jan 22, 2024 He Encamps Around Us Jan 22, 2024
  • Jan 16, 2024 Don't Let Disappointment Stick Jan 16, 2024
  • Jan 12, 2024 Not Getting Tangled Jan 12, 2024
  • Jan 9, 2024 Confident Faith Jan 9, 2024
  • Jan 5, 2024 The Bitter and the Sweet Jan 5, 2024
• 2023
  • Dec 19, 2023 His Indescribable Gift Dec 19, 2023
  • Dec 14, 2023 Remembering My Gifts Dec 14, 2023
  • Dec 12, 2023 With Me in All Things Dec 12, 2023
  • Dec 8, 2023 Gentle Whispers Dec 8, 2023
  • Dec 5, 2023 The Manger and The Cross Dec 5, 2023
  • Dec 1, 2023 When the Time Comes Dec 1, 2023
  • Nov 28, 2023 With Me in the Dark of Night Nov 28, 2023
  • Nov 24, 2023 Joy Unspeakable Nov 24, 2023
  • Nov 21, 2023 Thanksgiving Nov 21, 2023
  • Nov 17, 2023 The Faithfulness of God Nov 17, 2023
  • Nov 14, 2023 At the Top of My List Nov 14, 2023
  • Nov 10, 2023 There is Always Room Nov 10, 2023
  • Nov 7, 2023 My Strong Tower Nov 7, 2023
  • Nov 3, 2023 Waiting Nov 3, 2023
  • Oct 27, 2023 Walking in Joy and Hope Oct 27, 2023
  • Oct 20, 2023 Peace and Joy from Within Oct 20, 2023
  • Oct 13, 2023 Peace Washes Over Me Oct 13, 2023
  • Oct 6, 2023 Yes Lord Oct 6, 2023
  • Sep 29, 2023 God Cares Sep 29, 2023
  • Sep 22, 2023 Our Powerful God Sep 22, 2023
  • Sep 15, 2023 Don't Give Up Sep 15, 2023
  • Sep 8, 2023 The Miracle of Enduring Grace Sep 8, 2023
  • Aug 11, 2023 He Makes Beauty Out of Dust Aug 11, 2023
  • Aug 4, 2023 I'm Grateful Aug 4, 2023
  • Jul 28, 2023 Happiness Within Jul 28, 2023
  • Jul 21, 2023 Bearing Fruit in Old Age Jul 21, 2023
  • Jul 14, 2023 Rock of Ages Jul 14, 2023
  • Jul 7, 2023 Grow! Jul 7, 2023
  • Jun 30, 2023 Lessons Under My Belt Jun 30, 2023
  • Jun 23, 2023 Finding a Way Around Jun 23, 2023
  • Jun 16, 2023 One Cold Day at a Time Jun 16, 2023
  • Jun 9, 2023 Praise Turns Burdens Into Blessings Jun 9, 2023
  • Jun 2, 2023 My Gentle Giant and My Wonderful Savior Jun 2, 2023
  • May 26, 2023 Under His Wings May 26, 2023
  • Apr 28, 2023 The Rock of Ages Apr 28, 2023
  • Apr 21, 2023 He Names the Stars Apr 21, 2023
  • Apr 14, 2023 Don't Give Anxiety a Minute! Apr 14, 2023
  • Apr 7, 2023 The Power of His Sacrifice Apr 7, 2023
  • Mar 31, 2023 Trust Him With the Whys Mar 31, 2023
  • Mar 24, 2023 Our Lifeguard Walks on Water Mar 24, 2023
  • Mar 17, 2023 Counting My Blessings Mar 17, 2023
  • Mar 10, 2023 Don't Forget the Blessings Mar 10, 2023
  • Mar 3, 2023 His Presence in the Tunnel Mar 3, 2023
  • Feb 17, 2023 Opportunities for Grace Feb 17, 2023
  • Feb 10, 2023 At Rest in Him Feb 10, 2023
  • Feb 3, 2023 Worry is a Powerful Thing Feb 3, 2023
  • Jan 27, 2023 The Gift of Laughter Jan 27, 2023
  • Jan 20, 2023 The Power of Encouragement Jan 20, 2023
  • Jan 13, 2023 Prayer Carries Us Along Jan 13, 2023
  • Jan 6, 2023 Burdens into Blessings Jan 6, 2023
• 2022
  • Dec 30, 2022 His Unfailing Promises Dec 30, 2022
  • Dec 23, 2022 We Can't Be Passive Dec 23, 2022
  • Dec 9, 2022 Trouble is Transportation Dec 9, 2022
  • Dec 2, 2022 Our Emmanuel Dec 2, 2022
  • Nov 25, 2022 Kindness is Contagious Nov 25, 2022
  • Nov 18, 2022 His Wraparound Presence Nov 18, 2022
  • Nov 11, 2022 Choose Trust Every Day Nov 11, 2022
  • Oct 28, 2022 Not Always Smooth Sailing Oct 28, 2022
  • Oct 21, 2022 The Gift of Peace Oct 21, 2022
  • Oct 14, 2022 Letting Go of My Weights Oct 14, 2022
  • Oct 7, 2022 Little by Little Oct 7, 2022
  • Sep 30, 2022 An Overwhelmed Juggler Sep 30, 2022
  • Sep 23, 2022 He Will Carry Us Through Hard Times Sep 23, 2022
  • Sep 16, 2022 To Lay My Crown at His Feet Sep 16, 2022
  • Aug 19, 2022 His Endless Stack of Promises Aug 19, 2022
  • Aug 12, 2022 Our Faithful Burden Bearer Aug 12, 2022
  • Aug 6, 2022 Nevertheless Aug 6, 2022
  • Jul 22, 2022 Adjusting My Sails Jul 22, 2022
  • Jul 15, 2022 Our Times Are in His Hands Jul 15, 2022
  • Jul 8, 2022 Carried by His Joy Jul 8, 2022
  • Jul 1, 2022 He Has Been With Me Jul 1, 2022
  • Jun 24, 2022 A Moment of Hope Jun 24, 2022
  • Jun 17, 2022 Carried Jun 17, 2022
  • Jun 10, 2022 Faithfulness not Perfection Jun 10, 2022
  • Jun 3, 2022 The Power of Praise Jun 3, 2022
  • May 27, 2022 A Tender Year May 27, 2022
  • May 20, 2022 Day by Day Contentment May 20, 2022
  • May 13, 2022 The Treasure of His Presence May 13, 2022
  • May 6, 2022 The King Has One More Move May 6, 2022
  • Apr 22, 2022 Our "Nevertheless" Moments Apr 22, 2022
  • Apr 15, 2022 A Truly Good Friday Apr 15, 2022
  • Apr 8, 2022 He is 100% Solid & Sure Apr 8, 2022
  • Apr 1, 2022 Focusing on God's Goodness Apr 1, 2022
  • Mar 25, 2022 God Isn't Done With Me Yet Mar 25, 2022
  • Mar 18, 2022 He Knows the Stars by Name Mar 18, 2022
  • Mar 11, 2022 He Cares for the Sparrows Mar 11, 2022
  • Mar 4, 2022 Light in the Darkness Mar 4, 2022
  • Feb 25, 2022 A New Season Feb 25, 2022
  • Feb 18, 2022 All Praise to YHWH Feb 18, 2022
  • Feb 11, 2022 Living Out My Calling Feb 11, 2022
  • Feb 4, 2022 Don't Let Your Guard Down Feb 4, 2022
  • Jan 28, 2022 The Journey of Grief Jan 28, 2022
  • Jan 21, 2022 Our Firm Rock and Foundation Jan 21, 2022
  • Jan 14, 2022 Still Upright Jan 14, 2022
  • Jan 7, 2022 Faith Isn't Born in a Day Jan 7, 2022
• 2021
  • Dec 24, 2021 Christmas Heroes Dec 24, 2021
  • Dec 16, 2021 He Makes the Season Wonderful Dec 16, 2021
  • Dec 10, 2021 Courage, Belief and Obedience Dec 10, 2021
  • Dec 3, 2021 Hope Wins Dec 3, 2021
  • Nov 26, 2021 Faithful Through the Seasons Nov 26, 2021
  • Nov 19, 2021 The Powerful Gift of Laughter Nov 19, 2021
  • Nov 12, 2021 God is With Us in the Darkness Nov 12, 2021
  • Nov 5, 2021 What a Coincidence Nov 5, 2021
  • Oct 29, 2021 Careful of the Little Things Oct 29, 2021
  • Oct 22, 2021 Our Trophies Oct 22, 2021
  • Oct 15, 2021 Choose Whom You Will Serve Oct 15, 2021
  • Oct 8, 2021 From His Heart to Mine Oct 8, 2021
  • Oct 1, 2021 Leaving a Rich Heritage Oct 1, 2021
  • Sep 24, 2021 Watch Out for Arrows Sep 24, 2021
  • Sep 17, 2021 His Promises Are Sure Sep 17, 2021
  • Sep 10, 2021 Frowns into Smiles Sep 10, 2021
  • Sep 3, 2021 Little Treasures Sep 3, 2021
  • Aug 30, 2021 His Gentle Whisper Aug 30, 2021
  • Aug 20, 2021 Walking into Destiny One Step at a Time Aug 20, 2021
  • Aug 13, 2021 The Goodness of God Aug 13, 2021
  • Aug 6, 2021 My Constant Refuge Aug 6, 2021
  • Jul 30, 2021 I'm Thankful Jul 30, 2021
  • Jul 23, 2021 God is with Me Jul 23, 2021
  • Jul 16, 2021 What Does God Look Like? Jul 16, 2021
  • Jul 9, 2021 The Lord is By My Side Jul 9, 2021
  • Jul 2, 2021 Don't Forget to Remember Jul 2, 2021
  • Jun 25, 2021 Step Up to the Plate Jun 25, 2021
  • Jun 18, 2021 Holding the Ropes Jun 18, 2021
  • Jun 11, 2021 Floyd Finished His Race Jun 11, 2021
  • Jun 4, 2021 Precious in the Lord's Sight Jun 4, 2021
  • May 29, 2021 A NOTE FROM SALLY - Floyd is with Jesus May 29, 2021
  • May 28, 2021 Remember May 28, 2021
  • May 21, 2021 Power in the Name of Jesus May 21, 2021
  • May 14, 2021 Life Finds a Way May 14, 2021
  • May 7, 2021 Acceptance - the Key to Peace May 7, 2021
  • Apr 30, 2021 Chopped Off, But Growing Apr 30, 2021
  • Apr 23, 2021 Moment by Moment Grace Apr 23, 2021
  • Apr 16, 2021 While I Wait I Will Worship Apr 16, 2021
  • Apr 9, 2021 Focus on Seeing Jesus Apr 9, 2021
  • Apr 2, 2021 Praise Gets me Through the Day Apr 2, 2021
  • Mar 26, 2021 The Number of Our Days Mar 26, 2021
  • Mar 19, 2021 God Never Puts Us On Hold Mar 19, 2021
  • Mar 12, 2021 The Gift of Laughter Mar 12, 2021
  • Mar 6, 2021 He is FOR Us Mar 6, 2021
  • Feb 26, 2021 He Cares about Details Feb 26, 2021
  • Feb 19, 2021 The Light of God Himself Feb 19, 2021
  • Feb 12, 2021 God is in a Lifetime Feb 12, 2021
  • Feb 5, 2021 Pre-Decide to Trust Feb 5, 2021
  • Jan 29, 2021 Hang Onto Hope Jan 29, 2021
  • Jan 22, 2021 Expecting Miracles Jan 22, 2021
  • Jan 15, 2021 Strength for the Weary Jan 15, 2021
  • Jan 8, 2021 One Step at a Time Jan 8, 2021
  • Jan 1, 2021 He is Our Hope Jan 1, 2021
• 2020
  • Dec 18, 2020 Carried Dec 18, 2020
  • Dec 11, 2020 Securely Rooted in Him Dec 11, 2020
  • Nov 6, 2020 God is Even Bigger! Nov 6, 2020
  • Oct 30, 2020 He is With Us Each Step of the Way Oct 30, 2020
  • Oct 23, 2020 His Wraparound Presence Oct 23, 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 God Will Make A Way Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 9, 2020 No Prayer is Ignored Oct 9, 2020
  • Oct 2, 2020 Follow the Ancient Paths Oct 2, 2020
  • Sep 25, 2020 Rooted in Him Sep 25, 2020
  • Sep 18, 2020 Slippery Slope of Worry Sep 18, 2020
  • Sep 11, 2020 Let Your Light Shine Sep 11, 2020
  • Sep 4, 2020 God Looks at the Heart Sep 4, 2020
  • Aug 21, 2020 Pull Up The Weeds Aug 21, 2020
  • Aug 14, 2020 Get Used To Different Aug 14, 2020
  • Aug 7, 2020 A Boat Named Floyd Aug 7, 2020
  • Jul 31, 2020 Hope Is A Verb Jul 31, 2020
  • Jul 24, 2020 Fix Your Toughts On Jesus Jul 24, 2020
  • Jul 17, 2020 Little Blessings Jul 17, 2020
  • Jul 10, 2020 Angels Watching Over Us Jul 10, 2020
  • Jul 3, 2020 Why Lord? Jul 3, 2020
  • Jun 26, 2020 Intimacy Is Enhanced By Adversity Jun 26, 2020
  • Jun 19, 2020 The Gift Of Laughter Jun 19, 2020
  • Jun 12, 2020 Take Every Thought Captive Jun 12, 2020
  • Jun 5, 2020 Our Wonderful Refuge Jun 5, 2020
  • May 29, 2020 Being An Overcomer May 29, 2020
  • May 22, 2020 He Is At Work May 22, 2020
  • May 15, 2020 He's With Us In The Storm May 15, 2020
  • May 8, 2020 The Ladder Of Hope Is Held From Above May 8, 2020
  • May 1, 2020 The Power Of Gratitude May 1, 2020
  • Apr 24, 2020 Locked In With The Lord Apr 24, 2020
  • Apr 17, 2020 He Is Always Behind Us Apr 17, 2020
  • Apr 10, 2020 Peace That Passes Understanding Apr 10, 2020
  • Apr 3, 2020 Keep Our Eyes On Him Apr 3, 2020
  • Mar 27, 2020 He Carries Us All Mar 27, 2020
  • Mar 20, 2020 Pray, Pray, Pray! Mar 20, 2020
  • Mar 13, 2020 His Unfailing Peace Mar 13, 2020
  • Mar 6, 2020 Remember Kindness Mar 6, 2020
  • Feb 28, 2020 The Gift Of Isolation Feb 28, 2020
  • Feb 26, 2020 Our Tears Are Precious To God Feb 26, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Character Grows Like An Oak Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 7, 2020 God Shines Through The Mist Feb 7, 2020
  • Jan 31, 2020 Our Big God Jan 31, 2020
  • Jan 24, 2020 Kind Words Are Good Medicine Jan 24, 2020
  • Jan 17, 2020 Best Friends Jan 17, 2020
  • Jan 10, 2020 I Trust You Lord Jan 10, 2020
  • Jan 3, 2020 He Sees Us Jan 3, 2020
• 2019
  • Dec 27, 2019 Behold! Dec 27, 2019
  • Dec 20, 2019 Wisdom Is Found In Obedience Dec 20, 2019
  • Dec 13, 2019 Immanuel - God With Us Dec 13, 2019
  • Dec 6, 2019 Life's Traffic Jams Dec 6, 2019
  • Nov 29, 2019 We Can't Stop The Clock Nov 29, 2019
  • Nov 22, 2019 Home Is Where You Hang Your Heart Nov 22, 2019
  • Nov 15, 2019 Power In The Name Of Jesus Nov 15, 2019
  • Nov 8, 2019 Time - A Precious Gift Nov 8, 2019
  • Nov 1, 2019 Beautiful Growth Comes From Pruning Nov 1, 2019
  • Oct 25, 2019 Beauty Is Formed In Adversity Oct 25, 2019
  • Oct 18, 2019 Gratitude Is A Powerful Weapon Oct 18, 2019
  • Oct 11, 2019 Bloom Where You Are Planted Oct 11, 2019
  • Oct 4, 2019 Praying the ABC's Oct 4, 2019
  • Oct 1, 2019 Our God - The Infinite Fixer Upper Oct 1, 2019
  • Sep 27, 2019 Jesus - Our Faithful Compass! Sep 27, 2019
  • Sep 24, 2019 There is Power in Our Speech Sep 24, 2019
  • Sep 20, 2019 He Speaks - We Worship Sep 20, 2019
  • Sep 17, 2019 Asking For the Fruit of Patience Sep 17, 2019
  • Sep 13, 2019 Holy Spirit - Our Guide On the Roller Coaster Of Life! Sep 13, 2019
  • Sep 10, 2019 His Amazing Joy! Sep 10, 2019
  • Sep 6, 2019 Speed Bumps Sep 6, 2019
  • Jul 26, 2019 Keep Climbing Jul 26, 2019
  • Jul 19, 2019 Embracing the Adventures Jul 19, 2019
  • Jul 12, 2019 A Warrior Not a Worrier Jul 12, 2019
  • Jul 5, 2019 Trust is Powerful Jul 5, 2019
  • Jun 28, 2019 Don't Limit God Jun 28, 2019
  • Jun 21, 2019 Angels Watching Over Us Jun 21, 2019
  • Jun 15, 2019 Beauty for Ashes Jun 15, 2019
  • Jun 7, 2019 He Shows the Way Jun 7, 2019
  • May 31, 2019 He Knows the Number of Our Days May 31, 2019
  • May 24, 2019 Hold Unswervingly May 24, 2019
  • May 17, 2019 Waves of Grace May 17, 2019
  • May 14, 2019 The Power of Worship May 14, 2019
  • May 10, 2019 The Gift of His Sweet Peace May 10, 2019
  • May 7, 2019 The God of Detail May 7, 2019
  • May 3, 2019 He's All I Need May 3, 2019
  • Apr 30, 2019 He Always Listens Apr 30, 2019
  • Apr 26, 2019 With Us in the Silence Apr 26, 2019
  • Mar 29, 2019 Seeing Through the Fog Mar 29, 2019
  • Mar 1, 2019 With Us in the Night Mar 1, 2019
  • Feb 22, 2019 Minute by Minute Grace Feb 22, 2019
  • Feb 15, 2019 Thankfull for My Sweetheat Feb 15, 2019
  • Feb 8, 2019 Cocooned in Peace Feb 8, 2019
  • Feb 1, 2019 In the Shadow of His Wings Feb 1, 2019
  • Jan 25, 2019 A God of Details Jan 25, 2019
  • Jan 18, 2019 Sheltered in His Wings Jan 18, 2019
  • Jan 11, 2019 Beauty from Trials Jan 11, 2019
• 2018
  • Nov 30, 2018 Joy on the Journey Nov 30, 2018
  • Nov 23, 2018 The Gift of His Rest Nov 23, 2018
  • Nov 16, 2018 Beauty for Ashes Nov 16, 2018
  • Nov 9, 2018 God Uses Our Times of Waiting Nov 9, 2018
  • Nov 2, 2018 The Gift of Rejection Nov 2, 2018
  • Nov 2, 2018 The Sweet Gift of Joy Nov 2, 2018
  • Oct 26, 2018 His Beautiful Repairs Oct 26, 2018
  • Oct 19, 2018 Unexpected Joy Oct 19, 2018
  • Oct 12, 2018 IF is a Big Word Oct 12, 2018
  • Oct 5, 2018 Suffering and Sacrifice Oct 5, 2018
  • Sep 28, 2018 Growth Through Trials Sep 28, 2018
  • Sep 21, 2018 Breaking Through Sep 21, 2018
  • Sep 14, 2018 Count Your Blessings Sep 14, 2018
  • Sep 10, 2018 Lemons to Lemonade Sep 10, 2018
  • Sep 7, 2018 Hidden Treasures in the Waiting Sep 7, 2018
  • Aug 31, 2018 The Circumstances Don't Alter the Calling Aug 31, 2018
  • Aug 24, 2018 Calling on the Name of Jesus Aug 24, 2018
  • Aug 17, 2018 His Light Shines Through Us Aug 17, 2018
  • Aug 10, 2018 He Brings New Life Aug 10, 2018
  • Aug 3, 2018 Obedience is Worship Aug 3, 2018
  • Jul 27, 2018 Life From the Fallen Jul 27, 2018
  • Jul 20, 2018 God Never Throws Us Out Jul 20, 2018
  • Jul 13, 2018 The Power of Prayer Jul 13, 2018
  • Jul 6, 2018 Keys to Perseverance Jul 6, 2018
  • Jun 29, 2018 Light in the Storm Jun 29, 2018
  • Jun 22, 2018 Under His Wings Jun 22, 2018
  • Jun 15, 2018 Surrender Jun 15, 2018
  • Jun 8, 2018 The Fruit of Thankfulness Jun 8, 2018
  • Jun 1, 2018 In His Grip Jun 1, 2018
  • May 25, 2018 Growth From the Fallen May 25, 2018
  • May 18, 2018 Jesus is Trustworthy May 18, 2018
  • May 11, 2018 Closer Than the Air We Breathe May 11, 2018
  • May 4, 2018 Staying Deeply Rooted May 4, 2018
  • Apr 27, 2018 Be On Guard Apr 27, 2018
  • Apr 20, 2018 We All Need Help Apr 20, 2018
  • Apr 6, 2018 Rising Above the Storms Apr 6, 2018
  • Mar 30, 2018 Grace at the Cross Mar 30, 2018
  • Mar 23, 2018 The Roots of Our Lessons Mar 23, 2018
  • Mar 16, 2018 Bite Size Challenges Mar 16, 2018
  • Mar 9, 2018 Finishing Well Mar 9, 2018
  • Mar 2, 2018 Stay Tucked In Mar 2, 2018
  • Feb 23, 2018 My Only Sure Thing Feb 23, 2018
  • Feb 16, 2018 Joy on the Journey Feb 16, 2018
  • Feb 9, 2018 Worry Worms Feb 9, 2018
  • Feb 2, 2018 He Helps me Navigate the Maze Feb 2, 2018
  • Jan 26, 2018 Under His Wings Jan 26, 2018
  • Jan 19, 2018 A Fresh Look at Faith Jan 19, 2018
  • Jan 12, 2018 Blessings Wrapped in Trials Jan 12, 2018
  • Jan 5, 2018 Keep Hoping Jan 5, 2018
• 2017
  • Dec 29, 2017 Joy in His Presence Dec 29, 2017
  • Dec 22, 2017 Do Not Fear Dec 22, 2017
  • Dec 15, 2017 Our Faithful God Dec 15, 2017
  • Dec 8, 2017 Touches of Beauty Dec 8, 2017
  • Dec 1, 2017 He's Only A Whisper Away Dec 1, 2017
  • Nov 24, 2017 The Lessons Go Deeper Nov 24, 2017
  • Nov 17, 2017 Will You Finish the Race? Nov 17, 2017
  • Nov 10, 2017 God Looks at the Heart Nov 10, 2017
  • Nov 3, 2017 The Valley of Preparation Nov 3, 2017
  • Oct 27, 2017 Friends are our Treasures Oct 27, 2017
  • Oct 20, 2017 Patient Endurance Oct 20, 2017
  • Oct 6, 2017 Lessons in Every Season Oct 6, 2017
  • Sep 29, 2017 We Have a Goodly Heritage Sep 29, 2017
  • Sep 22, 2017 Catch the Wind Sep 22, 2017
  • Sep 15, 2017 Have No Fear Sep 15, 2017
  • Sep 8, 2017 He's Never Late Sep 8, 2017
  • Sep 1, 2017 Beauty in Every Season Sep 1, 2017
  • Aug 18, 2017 Glimmers of Joy Aug 18, 2017
  • Aug 11, 2017 One Day at a Time Aug 11, 2017
  • Aug 4, 2017 Moment By Moment Trust Aug 4, 2017
  • Jul 28, 2017 Encouraging Words Bring Joy Jul 28, 2017
  • Jul 21, 2017 Embracing Hardship Jul 21, 2017
  • Jul 14, 2017 His Grace Keeps Us Afloat Jul 14, 2017
  • Jul 7, 2017 Content In All Things Jul 7, 2017
  • Jun 30, 2017 Kisses Of Grace Jun 30, 2017
  • Jun 23, 2017 God's Love Never Ends Jun 23, 2017
  • Jun 9, 2017 Fifty Years Of Gods Faithfulness Jun 9, 2017
  • Jun 2, 2017 God Help Me Jun 2, 2017
  • May 26, 2017 Joy Unspeakable! May 26, 2017
  • May 19, 2017 Safe On His Shoulders May 19, 2017
  • May 12, 2017 His Grip Is Secure May 12, 2017
  • Apr 14, 2017 Gazing At His Goodness Apr 14, 2017
  • Apr 7, 2017 Our Faithful Provider Apr 7, 2017
  • Apr 1, 2017 His Faithfulness Washes Over Me Apr 1, 2017
  • Mar 24, 2017 God Watches Over His Children Mar 24, 2017
  • Mar 17, 2017 The Battle Has Intensified Mar 17, 2017
  • Mar 10, 2017 Persevere Mar 10, 2017
  • Mar 3, 2017 Worship Bubbles Up! Mar 3, 2017
  • Feb 24, 2017 His Guiding Hand Feb 24, 2017
  • Feb 22, 2017 Don't Despise God's Lessons Feb 22, 2017
  • Feb 17, 2017 Deep Roots Of Trust Feb 17, 2017
  • Feb 10, 2017 Keep Praying Feb 10, 2017
  • Feb 3, 2017 Invisible Walls Feb 3, 2017
  • Feb 2, 2017 A Teaching Series on Hope - Part Four Feb 2, 2017
  • Feb 1, 2017 A Teaching Series on Hope - Part Three Feb 1, 2017
  • Jan 31, 2017 A Teaching Series On Hope - Part Two Jan 31, 2017
  • Jan 30, 2017 A Teaching Series On Hope - Part One Jan 30, 2017
  • Jan 27, 2017 His Unending Supply Jan 27, 2017
  • Jan 6, 2017 His Umbrella Of Faithfulness Jan 6, 2017
• 2016
  • Dec 30, 2016 Jesus Is The Light In Our Darkness Dec 30, 2016
  • Dec 23, 2016 His Well Of Grace Dec 23, 2016
  • Dec 16, 2016 Waves Of His Goodness Dec 16, 2016
  • Dec 9, 2016 Wrapped In His Loving Care Dec 9, 2016
  • Dec 2, 2016 God Is For Us! Dec 2, 2016
  • Nov 25, 2016 Being Thankful For The Thorns Nov 25, 2016
  • Nov 18, 2016 The Balm Of Truth Nov 18, 2016
  • Nov 11, 2016 Abounding In Hope Nov 11, 2016
  • Nov 4, 2016 Jesus Is Awesome! Nov 4, 2016
  • Oct 7, 2016 God Is In Control Oct 7, 2016
  • Sep 30, 2016 Worry Is Like a Rocking Chair Sep 30, 2016
  • Sep 23, 2016 God Wants His Church To Pray Sep 23, 2016
  • Sep 17, 2016 Trusting Jesus Sep 17, 2016
  • Sep 9, 2016 Contentment Comes From Him Sep 9, 2016
  • Sep 2, 2016 Finding Blessing In The Hard Places Sep 2, 2016
  • Aug 19, 2016 Covered In Prayer Aug 19, 2016
  • Aug 12, 2016 We See A Mess, He Sees Beauty Aug 12, 2016
  • Aug 5, 2016 Walking Into The Fire Aug 5, 2016
  • Jul 29, 2016 Don't Rush The Process Jul 29, 2016
  • Jul 22, 2016 May Our Valleys Be A Blessing Jul 22, 2016
  • Jul 15, 2016 Praising Him In Our Pain Jul 15, 2016
  • Apr 4, 2016 Floyd Apr 4, 2016
  • Feb 16, 2016 Finding Meaning in Times of Crisis Feb 16, 2016
  • Feb 8, 2016 When People Try Make You King Feb 8, 2016
  • Feb 1, 2016 Don't Do Miracles By Yourself Feb 1, 2016
  • Jan 29, 2016 Elisabeth Kübler-Ross - Quote... Jan 29, 2016
  • Jan 20, 2016 Leadership Tests: No One Likes Them and We All Go Through Them Jan 20, 2016
  • Jan 13, 2016 Imperative People Jan 13, 2016
  • Jan 5, 2016 Leading Unlikelies Jan 5, 2016
• 2015
  • Dec 30, 2015 Connecting and Chemistry Dec 30, 2015
  • Dec 23, 2015 Preferential Treatment Dec 23, 2015
  • Dec 17, 2015 Salvation 'excludes no one' Dec 17, 2015
  • Dec 14, 2015 Prophetic Voice Dec 14, 2015
  • Dec 7, 2015 The Principle Of The Relaxed Grasp Dec 7, 2015
  • Nov 30, 2015 Complicity Versus Confrontation Nov 30, 2015
  • Nov 27, 2015 A Dream of Light That Brought Refugee To Jesus Nov 27, 2015
  • Nov 24, 2015 Guest Article by Dr Dave Cashin Nov 24, 2015
  • Nov 23, 2015 Perfect Love Casts Out Terror! Nov 23, 2015
  • Nov 16, 2015 Leading With Discernment Nov 16, 2015
  • Nov 9, 2015 Buy-In Nov 9, 2015
  • Nov 2, 2015 Leaders Choose Their Own Teams Nov 2, 2015
  • Oct 26, 2015 A Leader's Friends Oct 26, 2015
  • Oct 23, 2015 5 Things You Need To Know About 21st Century Small Group Ministry Oct 23, 2015
  • Oct 19, 2015 Leaders Call Followers Oct 19, 2015
  • Oct 12, 2015 Called To Lead Oct 12, 2015
  • Oct 5, 2015 A Leader's Identity Oct 5, 2015
  • Sep 23, 2015 Guest Blog... Sep 23, 2015
  • Aug 18, 2015 Please Pray... Aug 18, 2015
  • Aug 12, 2015 Jesus Loves Africa! Aug 12, 2015
  • Aug 11, 2015 Guest Article Aug 11, 2015
  • Jun 24, 2015 Those Who Grieve Well, Grow Well Jun 24, 2015
  • Jun 23, 2015 Ten Responses To Conflict Jun 23, 2015
  • Jun 22, 2015 Leaders Speak With Authority Jun 22, 2015
  • Jun 21, 2015 Leadership Tests Jun 21, 2015
  • Jun 20, 2015 A Very Simple Thing... Jun 20, 2015
  • Jun 19, 2015 The 10 C's of Team Selection Jun 19, 2015
  • Jun 1, 2015 Prayer Essentials for Busy People Jun 1, 2015
  • May 25, 2015 Devastation in Nepal May 25, 2015
  • May 13, 2015 What Can We Do When We Discern Weakness? May 13, 2015
  • May 6, 2015 Leading Like Jesus Available Today!!! May 6, 2015
  • Apr 26, 2015 New Book to Be Released May 6th! Leading Like Jesus Apr 26, 2015
  • Apr 9, 2015 Jesus, The Servant Leader Apr 9, 2015
  • Mar 19, 2015 New Book! Mar 19, 2015
  • Mar 17, 2015 Love Never Ends: A Meditation... Mar 17, 2015
  • Mar 16, 2015 How I Pray Each Morning Mar 16, 2015
  • Mar 11, 2015 Whose Side Is God On? by Greg Albrecht Mar 11, 2015
  • Feb 27, 2015 How Jesus Related to People Feb 27, 2015
  • Feb 25, 2015 How Jesus Related To People Feb 25, 2015
  • Feb 23, 2015 Jesus Started a Church Feb 23, 2015
  • Feb 16, 2015 How To Get Vision For Your Life Feb 16, 2015
  • Feb 9, 2015 Peddling Pictures of Jesus Feb 9, 2015
  • Feb 9, 2015 Leading In The Flesh Feb 9, 2015
  • Feb 6, 2015 10 Benefits of Small Groups Feb 6, 2015
  • Feb 5, 2015 10 Habits of Highly Effective Small Group Leaders Feb 5, 2015
  • Feb 4, 2015 Five Keys To Effective Small Group Leadership Feb 4, 2015
  • Feb 2, 2015 Leadership: Context Determines Contextualization Feb 2, 2015
  • Jan 29, 2015 What Makes a Leader? Jan 29, 2015
  • Jan 26, 2015 Leading Your Team Into the Unknown Jan 26, 2015
  • Jan 22, 2015 Seven Ways I Turn Creative Ideas Into Action Jan 22, 2015
  • Jan 10, 2015 Help Build a Beautiful Shack Home! Jan 10, 2015
• 2014
  • Dec 12, 2014 Is It Really Possible? Dec 12, 2014
  • Nov 26, 2014 The Power of "No" Nov 26, 2014
  • Nov 24, 2014 Why Jesus Said "No" Nov 24, 2014
  • Nov 21, 2014 15 Things To Say "No" To Nov 21, 2014
  • Nov 17, 2014 The Fruit of Your Labors Will Follow You - Part Three Nov 17, 2014
  • Nov 14, 2014 The Fruit of Your Labors Will Follow You - Part Two Nov 14, 2014
  • Nov 12, 2014 The Fruit of Your Labors Will Follow You - Part One Nov 12, 2014
  • Nov 3, 2014 Contentment Does Not Mean Happiness Nov 3, 2014
  • Oct 27, 2014 Helping People Respond to a Fallen Leader Oct 27, 2014
  • Oct 24, 2014 Catalyzing a Movement of Leaders Oct 24, 2014
  • Oct 22, 2014 The Five Leadership Functions of Jesus Oct 22, 2014
  • Oct 15, 2014 A Thoughtful Christ-Centered Response to ISIS Oct 15, 2014
  • Oct 13, 2014 The Art of Conversation Oct 13, 2014
  • Oct 10, 2014 Learning to Love People You Don't Like Oct 10, 2014
  • Oct 2, 2014 Update After Round Four Oct 2, 2014
  • Oct 1, 2014 Why Some Leaders Fail to Get Things Done Oct 1, 2014
  • Sep 29, 2014 Ten Keys for Casting a Compelling Vision Sep 29, 2014
  • Sep 22, 2014 Four Questions to Ask When Dealing With Disappointment Sep 22, 2014
  • Sep 18, 2014 Cancer and Joy - Carried Over the Wall Sep 18, 2014
  • Sep 17, 2014 Adventure With God Sep 17, 2014
  • Sep 17, 2014 Cancer and Joy - God's Compensations Sep 17, 2014
  • Sep 16, 2014 Cancer and Joy - The Wrap-Around Presence Sep 16, 2014
  • Sep 15, 2014 Attention Distraction Disorder Sep 15, 2014
  • Sep 12, 2014 News After Round 3 Sep 12, 2014
  • Sep 12, 2014 The Benefits of Being Part of an International Movement Sep 12, 2014
  • Sep 10, 2014 Frequency Illusion - It's All In Your Mind Sep 10, 2014
  • Sep 8, 2014 Things You Shouldn't Say to Cancer Patients Sep 8, 2014
  • Sep 5, 2014 Mindfulness Sep 5, 2014
  • Sep 3, 2014 Defining Priorities in Work and Life Sep 3, 2014
  • Sep 1, 2014 Adopt or Plant? Sep 1, 2014
  • Aug 30, 2014 Letter From Sally Aug 30, 2014
  • Aug 26, 2014 How to Build Longevity on Your Team Aug 26, 2014
  • Aug 22, 2014 Speak and Lead from the Heart Aug 22, 2014
  • Aug 21, 2014 Sally's Update Aug 21, 2014
  • Aug 20, 2014 First Impressions Aug 20, 2014
  • Aug 18, 2014 Urban Culture Transcends Borders Aug 18, 2014
  • Aug 15, 2014 The Focused Leader Aug 15, 2014
  • Aug 14, 2014 Africa's Time is Now Aug 14, 2014
  • Aug 13, 2014 How to Prompt Trustworthiness in Others Aug 13, 2014
  • Aug 11, 2014 Who Can You Trust? Aug 11, 2014
  • Aug 8, 2014 How Should We Portray Female Leaders? Aug 8, 2014
  • Aug 8, 2014 Temptation After Victory Aug 8, 2014
  • Aug 6, 2014 Creativity Aug 6, 2014
  • Aug 4, 2014 Failure Aug 4, 2014
  • Aug 2, 2014 Reframing Our Mindset About Problems Aug 2, 2014
  • Aug 1, 2014 Choose Who You Serve Aug 1, 2014
  • Jul 30, 2014 Balance? Jul 30, 2014
  • Jul 28, 2014 Personal Mission Statement Jul 28, 2014
  • Jul 26, 2014 Do You Want to Grow as a Leader? Jul 26, 2014
  • Jul 26, 2014 One Down - Five to Go Jul 26, 2014
  • Jul 25, 2014 A Leader's Legacy Jul 25, 2014
  • Jul 25, 2014 Six Surprising Characteristics of Effective Leaders Jul 25, 2014
  • Jul 23, 2014 Dispensable Leaders Jul 23, 2014
  • Jul 21, 2014 Creative Leadership Jul 21, 2014
  • Jul 7, 2014 He is worthy. He is worthy. He is worthy Jul 7, 2014
  • Jun 26, 2014 Syrian's are Dancing Again! Jun 26, 2014
  • Jun 25, 2014 Counter Intuitive Discipleship Values... Jun 25, 2014
  • Jun 10, 2014 All Nations Team Held by AK-47 Wielding Angry Father Jun 10, 2014
• 2013
  • Dec 6, 2013 Nelson Mandela Dec 6, 2013
  • Nov 22, 2013 10 Simple Discipleship Truths Nov 22, 2013
  • Nov 14, 2013 5 Ways the Prosperity Gospel Is Hurting Africa Nov 14, 2013
  • Nov 11, 2013 Syria Refugee Crisis Nov 11, 2013
  • Oct 2, 2013 How Not to Respond to the Syrian Crisis Oct 2, 2013
  • Aug 31, 2013 Why I am against American intervention in Syria Aug 31, 2013
  • Aug 31, 2013 What About Teaching and Preaching in Disciple-Making Movements? Aug 31, 2013
  • Aug 26, 2013 5 Broken Views of Discipleship and How to Fix Them Aug 26, 2013
  • Aug 23, 2013 Continual, Vigorous Church Planting Aug 23, 2013
  • Aug 7, 2013 The Gift of Rejection Aug 7, 2013
  • Jul 18, 2013 Ten Functions of an Apostolic Team Jul 18, 2013
  • Jul 12, 2013 Spiritual Fathers and Mothers in the Lord Jul 12, 2013
  • Jun 3, 2013 Syria... Jun 3, 2013
  • May 13, 2013 The Principle of Saying Hard Things May 13, 2013
  • May 9, 2013 The Principle of Leadership Connection May 9, 2013
  • May 8, 2013 Ten C’s of Leadership Team Building May 8, 2013
  • May 7, 2013 Apostolic Leadership Qualities May 7, 2013
  • Apr 16, 2013 Simple Doesn't Mean Stupid or Unbiblical Apr 16, 2013
  • Apr 1, 2013 Healthy Church Apr 1, 2013
  • Feb 26, 2013 Bill Hybels on Church Planting Feb 26, 2013
  • Feb 21, 2013 Quiet Time Religion Feb 21, 2013
  • Feb 21, 2013 Safe theology. Dangerous life. Feb 21, 2013
  • Feb 21, 2013 You can lead people if you don't "need" people Feb 21, 2013
  • Feb 17, 2013 Complicity and Confrontation Feb 17, 2013
  • Feb 15, 2013 Planning Not to Be Needed Feb 15, 2013
  • Feb 13, 2013 Seven Marks of Disciple Making Churches in the Muslim World Feb 13, 2013
  • Feb 13, 2013 Six Types of People You Meet in Church Planting Feb 13, 2013
  • Feb 8, 2013 When is Church Growth Not Healthy Growth? Feb 8, 2013
  • Feb 8, 2013 Join the Largest Prayer Meeting in the World Feb 8, 2013
  • Jan 31, 2013 New Book Jan 31, 2013
  • Jan 31, 2013 New Videos Jan 31, 2013
  • Jan 28, 2013 Leadership is a Performing Art Jan 28, 2013
• 2012
  • Dec 15, 2012 The Use and Abuse of Spiritual Authority Dec 15, 2012
  • Dec 12, 2012 Called of God Dec 12, 2012
  • Nov 28, 2012 Is Jesus the Only Way to God? Nov 28, 2012
  • Nov 26, 2012 America - Where do you go from here? Nov 26, 2012
  • Nov 24, 2012 A Positive Vision for Church Nov 24, 2012
  • Oct 31, 2012 This is Sin Oct 31, 2012
  • Oct 28, 2012 Hell Oct 28, 2012
  • Oct 24, 2012 Does God Have a Preference for Our Next President? Oct 24, 2012
  • Oct 23, 2012 100 Tibetan Buddhists Come to Faith Oct 23, 2012
  • Oct 16, 2012 Vision From God and Finishing Well Oct 16, 2012
  • Oct 8, 2012 Five Relationships to Help You Finish Well Oct 8, 2012
  • Oct 1, 2012 Discipleship is Intentional Relationship Oct 1, 2012
  • Sep 22, 2012 Fifteen Signs of People Who Don't Finish Well Sep 22, 2012
  • Sep 22, 2012 Leading Change Sep 22, 2012
  • Sep 17, 2012 It's How You Finish That Counts Sep 17, 2012
  • Sep 13, 2012 Changing the City Sep 13, 2012
  • Sep 10, 2012 God Returns to the City! Sep 10, 2012
  • Aug 30, 2012 Tough Guys Discipling Tough Guys Aug 30, 2012
  • Aug 29, 2012 God Has Called You to Lead Aug 29, 2012
  • Aug 17, 2012 The God Story Aug 17, 2012
  • Aug 13, 2012 10 Reasons Some Leaders Don’t Follow Paul’s Example of Church Planting Aug 13, 2012
  • Aug 5, 2012 The Power of Encouragement Aug 5, 2012
  • Aug 4, 2012 Twelve Principles of Discovery Discipleship Aug 4, 2012
  • Jul 26, 2012 Four Steps to Know God's Will Jul 26, 2012
  • Jul 22, 2012 Discovery Bible Study Jul 22, 2012
  • Jul 22, 2012 How God Has Designed the Church to Transform Cities and Nations Jul 22, 2012
  • Jul 20, 2012 Debriefing Questions - Two Approaches Jul 20, 2012
  • Jun 27, 2012 My Name is Pride. I am a Cheater. Jun 27, 2012
  • Jun 20, 2012 A Fresh Perspective on Team Building Jun 20, 2012
  • Jun 9, 2012 Take Your Disciple Making to the Next Level Jun 9, 2012
  • Jun 8, 2012 News From Sally Jun 8, 2012
  • Jun 4, 2012 Worship. Mission. Community. Jun 4, 2012
  • Jun 3, 2012 Explosion of Simple Churches Jun 3, 2012
  • Jun 1, 2012 Discipleship is Intentional Relationship Jun 1, 2012
  • Jun 1, 2012 How Do You Initiate Discipleship Into a Relationship Jun 1, 2012
  • May 30, 2012 Cross Gender Mentoring and Discipling May 30, 2012
  • May 23, 2012 Apostolic Passion May 23, 2012
  • May 22, 2012 What Is The Need For Discipleship? May 22, 2012
  • May 21, 2012 Report From a Remote Village in a Far Away Place May 21, 2012
  • May 13, 2012 Eight Principles For Church Growth May 13, 2012
  • May 11, 2012 What Frees People to Be Imaginative Leaders? May 11, 2012
  • May 10, 2012 Making Mistakes May 10, 2012
  • May 10, 2012 Discipleship is Not a Dirty Word May 10, 2012
  • May 4, 2012 One Hundred Dead Men Don't Make a Church May 4, 2012
  • May 3, 2012 Choosing Your Team May 3, 2012
  • May 2, 2012 Positive Gossip May 2, 2012
  • Apr 30, 2012 The Seven “C’s” of Great Visionary Leadership Apr 30, 2012
  • Apr 26, 2012 Five Stages of an Apostolic Movement Apr 26, 2012
  • Apr 23, 2012 What will it take to change our colleges and seminaries? Apr 23, 2012
  • Apr 20, 2012 You are commissioned to supernatural ministry Apr 20, 2012
  • Apr 20, 2012 You exist to fulfill the purposes of God Apr 20, 2012
  • Apr 16, 2012 Making Covenants With God Apr 16, 2012
  • Apr 14, 2012 Dietrich Bonhoeffer Apr 14, 2012
  • Apr 14, 2012 The Next Big Thing Apr 14, 2012
  • Apr 13, 2012 African Family Structure Speaks to the Heart of Being a Missional Church Community Apr 13, 2012
  • Apr 13, 2012 Mission Agency or Mission Church? Apr 13, 2012
  • Apr 5, 2012 Tested by Defiance Apr 5, 2012
  • Apr 3, 2012 Courage and Security Apr 3, 2012
  • Apr 1, 2012 Samuel Style Leadership Versus the Saul Style of Autocratic Leadership Apr 1, 2012
  • Mar 28, 2012 How Do You Recognize A Leader That Can Change a Nation? Mar 28, 2012
  • Mar 26, 2012 God On Mute Mar 26, 2012
  • Mar 25, 2012 People Group Definitions Mar 25, 2012
  • Mar 24, 2012 The Gospel of the Kingdom Mar 24, 2012
  • Mar 24, 2012 Change Mar 24, 2012
  • Mar 22, 2012 Randy Alcorn on Heaven Mar 22, 2012
  • Mar 21, 2012 Randy Alcor on Heaven Mar 21, 2012
  • Mar 20, 2012 Saul's Rebellion and Rejection as King Mar 20, 2012
  • Mar 12, 2012 The Saul Syndrome Mar 12, 2012
• 2011
  • Sep 27, 2011 "The 10 Second Rule" Sep 27, 2011
  • Sep 21, 2011 Disciple Making & Church Planting: God's Way to Transform Nations Sep 21, 2011
  • Sep 18, 2011 How Do I Protect My Heart With So Many People Coming and Going in My Life? Sep 18, 2011
  • Sep 16, 2011 Why Are So Many People Going To Hell? Sep 16, 2011
  • Sep 5, 2011 World Mandate 2011 Sep 5, 2011
  • Jul 28, 2011 Why Evangelicals Should Stop Evangelizing Jul 28, 2011
  • Jul 27, 2011 Amusing, Insightful & Honest Church Planting Report from Zambia Jul 27, 2011
  • Jul 19, 2011 A Story from the Field Jul 19, 2011
  • Jul 18, 2011 Doing as the Apostle Paul Did Jul 18, 2011
  • May 5, 2011 Massive Fire in Masi - 1500 Shacks Burn Down - 5000 Homeless May 5, 2011
  • May 5, 2011 On Recent Events May 5, 2011
  • Apr 12, 2011 Judgement, Hell & the Character of God Apr 12, 2011
  • Mar 24, 2011 Church Planting Models Mar 24, 2011
  • Mar 7, 2011 926 Unreached People Groups in Africa!! Mar 7, 2011
  • Mar 7, 2011 All Nations Zimbabwe Update Mar 7, 2011
  • Feb 18, 2011 A Tribute to the "real Floyd McClung" Feb 18, 2011
  • Feb 13, 2011 How Do We See The Situation in Egypt? Feb 13, 2011
  • Feb 6, 2011 Reading the Bible for All It's Worth Feb 6, 2011
  • Feb 4, 2011 Specific Prayer Brings Specific Answers and Specific Glory to God! Feb 4, 2011
  • Jan 28, 2011 Twelve Years of Running Jan 28, 2011
  • Jan 28, 2011 A Warning From The Lord Jan 28, 2011
  • Jan 15, 2011 The Seven Top Joys Church Planters Experience Jan 15, 2011
• 2010
  • Dec 2, 2010 Faith-Full Dec 2, 2010
  • Nov 26, 2010 Seven Reasons to Go Nov 26, 2010
  • Nov 22, 2010 Choose Your Passions - Don't Let Them Choose You Nov 22, 2010
  • Nov 18, 2010 Three African Mighty Men of God Nov 18, 2010
  • Oct 22, 2010 Make friends. Have fun. Change lives! TDJ! Oct 22, 2010
  • Oct 6, 2010 Simple But Not Cheap Oct 6, 2010
  • Sep 13, 2010 Into Africa Sep 13, 2010
  • Sep 10, 2010 Why Follow Sep 10, 2010
  • Sep 3, 2010 Obedience Sep 3, 2010
  • Sep 1, 2010 Follow Sep 1, 2010
  • Aug 12, 2010 How to Witness on Trains, Planes and Automobiles Aug 12, 2010
  • Jul 4, 2010 Church Planting Curriculum for CPx Jul 4, 2010
  • Jun 8, 2010 Why We Must Love Osama Bin Laden Jun 8, 2010
  • May 26, 2010 Amazing African Women Film Society! May 26, 2010
  • May 13, 2010 Short Term Team Reaps Fruit of Long Term Workers in Zambia May 13, 2010
  • May 13, 2010 A CPx report from Cape Town May 13, 2010
  • Apr 12, 2010 Holistic Discipleship and Church Planting Apr 12, 2010
  • Apr 12, 2010 How To Pray For a Nation in a Time of Crisis Apr 12, 2010
  • Apr 11, 2010 A Prayer for Faithfulness Apr 11, 2010
  • Apr 5, 2010 Update on Killing and Racial Tension in South Africa Apr 5, 2010
  • Mar 31, 2010 The Most Important Week of the Year Mar 31, 2010
  • Mar 23, 2010 The Servant Leader's Ten Commandments Mar 23, 2010
  • Mar 22, 2010 Access Ministries and Church Planting Mar 22, 2010
  • Mar 19, 2010 Passions and Practices of Apostolic People Mar 19, 2010
  • Mar 18, 2010 The Short History of One Black Man Mar 18, 2010
  • Mar 11, 2010 It's Africa's Hour! Mar 11, 2010
  • Mar 4, 2010 Five Fold Church-Planters Mar 4, 2010
  • Jan 18, 2010 Developing a Culture of Discipleship in Your Community Jan 18, 2010
  • Jan 11, 2010 Ten Questions to Ponder for 2010 Jan 11, 2010
• 2009
  • Dec 21, 2009 Living With Courage and Boldness Dec 21, 2009
  • Dec 18, 2009 Why Christmas is So Special to Me Dec 18, 2009
  • Dec 13, 2009 Foundations for Church & Mission Dec 13, 2009
  • Dec 12, 2009 The Disciple Making Process Dec 12, 2009
  • Dec 12, 2009 How to Discern False Prophets, False Teachers and False Doctrine Dec 12, 2009
  • Dec 12, 2009 Don't Fear Failure Dec 12, 2009
  • Dec 2, 2009 Don't Pass the Torch - Start With it in Their Hands! Dec 2, 2009
  • Nov 29, 2009 God at Work at Work! Nov 29, 2009
  • Nov 25, 2009 What's the Difference Between Godly Initiative and Fleshly Ambition? Nov 25, 2009
  • Nov 21, 2009 Casting a Compelling Vision Nov 21, 2009
  • Nov 21, 2009 Leadership Selection in the New Testament Nov 21, 2009
  • Nov 21, 2009 Bride Price Nov 21, 2009
  • Nov 21, 2009 The MAWL Process Nov 21, 2009
  • Nov 21, 2009 God's Story - Creation to Christ Nov 21, 2009
  • Nov 21, 2009 D-Group Companion Nov 21, 2009
  • Nov 21, 2009 Becoming a D-Groups Starter! Nov 21, 2009
  • Nov 15, 2009 Q & A About All Nations Cape Town Nov 15, 2009
  • Nov 15, 2009 D-Groups Simplified Nov 15, 2009
  • Nov 13, 2009 Come Join Us For Ten Days in Cape Town! Nov 13, 2009
  • Nov 6, 2009 Bo-Kapp Outreaches Nov 6, 2009
  • Nov 6, 2009 Masiphumelele Outreach Nov 6, 2009
  • May 7, 2009 Why Church Planting Movements Don't Happen in Christianized Lands - So Far May 7, 2009
  • Mar 31, 2009 Belonging Happens Before Believing Happens Before Behaving Mar 31, 2009
  • Mar 19, 2009 Church Is Gospel Is Community Mar 19, 2009
  • Feb 23, 2009 Extreme Intense Severe Radical Relentless Unyielding Focus Feb 23, 2009
  • Feb 10, 2009 Too Much Form and Too Much Freedom Feb 10, 2009
  • Jan 21, 2009 Welcome to CPx Jan 21, 2009
  • Jan 21, 2009 You See Bones - I See an Army Jan 21, 2009
  • Jan 14, 2009 How an Eight Year Old Boy Started a House Church Jan 14, 2009
  • Jan 2, 2009 God Loves Muslims! Jan 2, 2009
• 2008
  • Dec 27, 2008 A Woman Who Would Not Give Up Dec 27, 2008
  • Dec 11, 2008 Reasons to Believe - Reasons Not to Believe Dec 11, 2008
  • Dec 4, 2008 It's Signed! Help Us Ride the Big Wave Dec 4, 2008
  • Nov 20, 2008 Red Hill Nov 20, 2008
  • Oct 31, 2008 Injustice Oct 31, 2008
  • Oct 24, 2008 Why Leaders of Integrity Are the Key to Transforming Africa Oct 24, 2008
  • Aug 26, 2008 Raymond's Sorrow Aug 26, 2008
  • Aug 24, 2008 Our Awesome God Aug 24, 2008
  • Aug 19, 2008 Growing Older Aug 19, 2008
  • Aug 19, 2008 Stories from Baby Safe Aug 19, 2008
  • Aug 13, 2008 We Take So Much For Granted Aug 13, 2008
  • Jul 7, 2008 Baby Safe for Baby Dumping Jul 7, 2008
  • Jun 30, 2008 The Importance of One Jun 30, 2008
  • May 31, 2008 Violence Rips Apart South Africa May 31, 2008
  • May 30, 2008 Helpless? Hopeless? May 30, 2008
  • May 28, 2008 Good News From Red Hill in Cape Town May 28, 2008
  • May 23, 2008 On the Edge of the Kingdom Among Rastafarians in Cape Town May 23, 2008
  • May 16, 2008 When Opportunity Knocks May 16, 2008
  • May 4, 2008 Home May 4, 2008
  • Apr 29, 2008 Did We Fail Red Hill? Apr 29, 2008
  • Apr 14, 2008 Africa Does Not Need More Foreign Aid Apr 14, 2008
  • Apr 13, 2008 Red Hill By Headlights Apr 13, 2008
  • Mar 30, 2008 God Is Building A New Kind of Leader in Africa Mar 30, 2008
  • Mar 14, 2008 Light on the Red Hill Mar 14, 2008
  • Feb 16, 2008 Urgent Request Feb 16, 2008
  • Jan 2, 2008 God Stopped the Fire - God Stopped the Rain Jan 2, 2008
• 2007
  • Nov 6, 2007 Willow Creek Update Nov 6, 2007
  • Nov 2, 2007 Willow Creek Leaders Repent of Program Based Church Nov 2, 2007
  • Oct 26, 2007 How To Pray For Africa Oct 26, 2007
  • Sep 20, 2007 An All-too-Common Problem Sep 20, 2007
  • Aug 2, 2007 Great Faith? Or Wishful Thinking? Aug 2, 2007
  • Jul 26, 2007 A Day of Miracles Jul 26, 2007
  • Jul 22, 2007 George.....and friends! Jul 22, 2007
  • Jul 22, 2007 Ministering Dignity - Holistic Spirituality Jul 22, 2007
  • Jul 4, 2007 A Bible Study on Spiritual Authority Jul 4, 2007
  • Jun 21, 2007 Timothy and the Incarnational Principle Jun 21, 2007
  • Jun 16, 2007 God Space Jun 16, 2007
  • Jun 13, 2007 The Forgotten Ways of Church Jun 13, 2007
  • Jun 7, 2007 Only One... Jun 7, 2007
  • May 31, 2007 Winter May 31, 2007
  • May 24, 2007 Anybody Can Be a Missionary! May 24, 2007
  • May 23, 2007 Forty Years May 23, 2007
  • May 22, 2007 My Favorite May 22, 2007
  • May 9, 2007 We Will Succeed May 9, 2007
  • May 7, 2007 Led by a Cloud May 7, 2007
  • May 4, 2007 Under His Wings May 4, 2007
  • May 2, 2007 I Think I Need Translation! May 2, 2007
  • May 2, 2007 Daily Life May 2, 2007
  • Apr 26, 2007 Missing Out Apr 26, 2007
  • Apr 17, 2007 Facing Fear Apr 17, 2007
  • Apr 17, 2007 Hunting a "Dangerous Game" Apr 17, 2007
  • Apr 10, 2007 A Historical Note Apr 10, 2007
  • Apr 4, 2007 Fighting Fire... Literally! Apr 4, 2007
  • Mar 27, 2007 A Word in Season Mar 27, 2007
  • Mar 27, 2007 Our Furry Friend Mar 27, 2007
  • Feb 8, 2007 Mourning What is Lost - Honoring What Has Been Feb 8, 2007
  • Jan 30, 2007 A New Year Jan 30, 2007
  • Jan 29, 2007 Every Day is an Adventure When You Live in Africa Jan 29, 2007
  • Jan 29, 2007 Should We Love Muslims or Pray Against Them? Jan 29, 2007
  • Jan 25, 2007 Fire!!! Jan 25, 2007
  • Jan 23, 2007 Fire and Violence Jan 23, 2007
  • Jan 23, 2007 The Mighty Winds Jan 23, 2007
  • Jan 8, 2007 A Southern Hemisphere Christmas Jan 8, 2007
• 2006
  • Dec 19, 2006 Responding to the HIV/AIDS Crisis in Africa Dec 19, 2006
  • Dec 18, 2006 Three Incredible Days Dec 18, 2006
  • Dec 13, 2006 Similar, But Different Dec 13, 2006
  • Dec 7, 2006 We Speak the Same Language? Dec 7, 2006
  • Dec 3, 2006 Searching for a Home Dec 3, 2006
  • Dec 3, 2006 What Was Lost Is Found Dec 3, 2006
  • Dec 1, 2006 Good News From Prison Dec 1, 2006
  • Dec 1, 2006 Creepy, Crawly, Wormy Things Dec 1, 2006
  • Nov 26, 2006 A Different Thanksgiving Nov 26, 2006
  • Nov 24, 2006 In the Middle of a Maze Nov 24, 2006
  • Nov 21, 2006 Miracles Come in Lots of Ways! Nov 21, 2006
  • Nov 18, 2006 Learning to Live in South Africa Nov 18, 2006
  • Nov 15, 2006 Of Birds and Nests Nov 15, 2006
  • Nov 14, 2006 A Story of Redemption Nov 14, 2006
  • Nov 6, 2006 A New Land and Home Nov 6, 2006
  • Oct 16, 2006 Suffering and Sacrifice Oct 16, 2006
  • Sep 24, 2006 New Testament Prayers Sep 24, 2006
  • Sep 24, 2006 Choosing Your Passions Sep 24, 2006
  • Sep 24, 2006 Apostolic Passion Sep 24, 2006
  • Sep 11, 2006 The Judaizing of Christianity Sep 11, 2006
  • Aug 21, 2006 The Blessing of Grandkids Aug 21, 2006
  • Aug 19, 2006 Vision Casting Aug 19, 2006
  • Aug 18, 2006 Trusting Jesus in Nepal Aug 18, 2006
  • Aug 8, 2006 God at work in Maximum Security Prison Aug 8, 2006
  • Jul 31, 2006 Lebanon, Mozambique & South Africa Jul 31, 2006
  • Jul 27, 2006 Adopt A People Group Jul 27, 2006
  • Jul 27, 2006 21st Century Christian Trends Jul 27, 2006
  • Jul 4, 2006 Prayer Request and a Testimony Jul 4, 2006

Floyd is still the same - stable, peaceful, resting comfortably : )

As we pray for, and "expect" miracles, it's so important to keep hope alive.  The enemy will do everything he can to take away our hope.  The Bible says "without hope the people perish."  Without hope it's hard to believe for miracles.

When bad things, hard things, difficult things, disappointing things come our way - hope can evaporate in an instant.  We can only keep it alive and fresh as we look to God.  We may be afraid to risk being let down again through disappointment.  Only God can give us the grace and strength to keep hoping.  We have to wait in His presence for a fresh release of hope if it has waned in our hearts.

"Waiting with hope is very difficult, but true patience is expressed when we must even wait for hope.  I will have reached the point of greatest strength once I have learned to wait for hope."  George Matheson (taken out of ‘Jesus Today’ by Sarah Young)

When I came home after 6 weeks in the hospital, I was so very weak.  One day I was praying for God to renew my strength.  As I sat in His presence, I felt Him speaking to me that I needed a renewal of hope.  Through all I had been through, my hope (for healing, for the future, for whatever He had in store for me) was diminished.  I hadn't even realized it.  But as God spoke to my heart, I knew I needed a new release of hope.  I began to pray for that, and I made a conscious effort to keep my eyes, my focus on Him.  Hope returned in abundance.

We have been living through stressful times!  It's possible that the hope in our hearts has taken a hit without us being aware of it.  May I encourage you to join me in trusting for a fresh release of hope?  God has good things in store for us.

"Don't you know that day dawns after night, showers displace drought, and spring and summer follow winter?  Then, have hope!  Hope forever, and God will not fail you!"  Charles Spurgeon (taken out of ‘Jesus Today’ by Sarah Young)

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."  Psalm 31:24

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."  Romans 15:13

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."  Hebrews 10:23

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope."  Psalm 130:5

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

As we keep our eyes, our focus, on the Lord - the enemy has no foothold to rob us of hope!

While keeping hope alive and vibrant in our hearts - we must continually build on a heart of trust in the Lord.  Come what may, we must trust Him.  Trust must flow from our hearts continually.  We need to speak it, pray it, sing it, declare it!  It must be the foundation stone in our walk with Him.

In the midst of all that is happening in our world, in our lives - trust in God is crucial.  We don't have to understand everything.  We just have to trust Him and Him alone.

When I was in the hospital, I had many moments of weakness.  At times I was too weak to even pray, but I would say simply "I trust you Lord."  As I spoke those words, I felt His peace wash over me.  I didn't know what would happen to me, but I knew I trusted God.  He was sovereign over my life.  He "carried" me during those weeks as I've mentioned before.

Things don't go the way we thought they would.  People disappoint us, even fail us.  Life takes unexpected twists and turns.  But the one sure, solid thing is our trust in God.

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."  Psalm 62:8

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5,6

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you."  Isaiah 26:3

"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence."  Jeremiah 17:7

I have no idea what's still ahead for Floyd, for me - but I trust Him!  He is faithful.

Expecting Miracles

Floyd continues to rest comfortably this week.  I pray daily for peace in his spirit, and for God to comfort him.

With the new year and trusting for new beginnings, my heart has been stirred to pray for miracles.  The verse that says "we have not because we ask not" has echoed through my mind.  I don't know if the miracles will be for me, for Floyd, for our family, for our friends - there are needs in all those groups - or if the miracles will be for the world at large.  I just know I'm to ask for God to release miracles.

I am still trying to regain my health and strength.  I feel weak a lot of the time.  It seems incongruous in my weakness to ask for mighty, divine miracles.  But it's not dependent on me.  God is certainly able to break in and bring miracles.

As I've been pondering this and praying, someone sent me a video clip of a Michael W. Smith song - This is How I Fight My Battles - with a scene of Moses and the children of Israel at the Red Sea......with the Egyptian army pursuing them.  

We all know how God parted the Red Sea, allowing the children of Israel to pass on dry land.  An amazing miracle!  Just watching this re-enactment encouraged my heart.

I've seen a few miracles in my lifetime - though none as dramatic as the Red Sea event.  I know we serve a miracle working God!  And our world is in such need of His miracles.  I may be weak, but He is strong and able.  I'm simply asking.

"He is the one you praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes."  Deuteronomy 10:21

"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind.  Is anything too hard for me?"  Jeremiah 32:27

"Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with man is possible with God.' "  Luke 18:27

"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted."  Job 5:9

J. Hudson Taylor said "There are three stages in the work of God: impossible, difficult, and done."  I look forward to seeing the "done" stage.  I'm asking for that in asking for some specific miracles.

Some believe that the time for miracles is past.  I don't believe that.  I believe that miracles still happen.  Just because we don't see them on a regular basis doesn't mean that God has quit the miracle business.  I want to continue to ask and believe for the miraculous.  Will you join me?

As I have shared about this, it was a sweet surprise to hear that a number of others have been prompted to pray the same way.  One person felt the Lord said to her to "expect miracles."  I was struck by that.  It goes beyond praying to expecting. That requires faith on our part.  I'm endeavoring to position my heart to a place of expectancy.

Sometimes we don't "expect" because we don't want to be disappointed.  If we find ourselves in that state, we must take time to deal with our disappointments or else they will keep us from growing in faith.

Maybe we don't "expect" because we don't think God cares - or we don't think He wants good for us.  The Bible is full of His love, care, and goodness.  It may be important to dwell in His word and let that truth soak into our hearts.

We may not "expect" because we're in a rut - we've become lethargic in our walk with the Lord.  It's a new year - a time for new beginnings.  We need to stir up our hearts and our walk with Him.

Perhaps we don't "expect" because we've simply stopped dreaming and believing.  There are a multitude of reasons why that could be the case.  We need to remove them in prayer, and ask God to put fresh dreams on our hearts.

Whatever is holding us back, we need to bring it to the cross.  As we pray for miracles, it's important to have expectant hearts of faith!

"Be brave.  Be strong.  Don't give up.  Expect God to get here soon."  Psalm 31:24 The Message

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  Mark 11:24 NIV

"Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see."  Hebrews 11:1 GW

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."  Psalm 5:3 NIV

"I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised."  Psalm 130:5 The Living Bible

In Daniel 3:17,18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego "expected" God to show up for them - and He did.  Big time!  I want to have that kind of faith.  I want to expect the best - expect God to make a way - expect God to open doors - expect God to bring showers of blessing - expect restoration - expect healings - expect a move of God - expect provision.  I want a heart of expectancy!  I'm praying for that.

Strength for the Weary

Floyd is resting well.  The doctor told me he is comfortable and peaceful.  That is certainly an answer to prayer and I was so grateful to hear that.  

On the journey of recovery I'm on, I continue to have good days and not-so-good days.  I hope and pray for more of the good days.  I'll be the first to admit that I don't like being weak!  I don't need to be superwoman, but I like to have enough strength and energy to get through my daily activities.  Some days that isn't possible.

I've told the Lord that I'd really appreciate it if He'd help my strength to return more quickly.  As He's so often done on the unexpected journey we're on - He turned my attention to things I can learn during this time.  He truly doesn't waste any of our sorrows, but uses them to help us learn and grow.

The first thing He spoke to my heart is that in weakness as I come to Him, it allows Him to be strong.  The focus is on Him, not me.  There is something very precious about admitting my weakness and allowing His power and strength to help me.  In my weakness, it draws me closer to His heart of love and care for me.  And He is always sufficient!  The well of His strength never runs dry.

He also showed me that there is new humility to be learned in weakness.  I need help in my current situation.  I can't make it on my own.  I have to humbly ask and receive help from friends around me.  I'm so grateful for the love and care of my friends - and I'm humbled by it.  It's okay to not be strong!

I've also had to learn that many things won't get done.  I try to ask the Lord for His priorities for each day.....and not stress about the things that don't get my attention.  When things are staring you right in the face, I find it hard to not stress about them - but I have to focus on the things the Lord draws my attention to.

As I look back over the last few years of this journey, I think about all the "hard" things along the way.  It warms my heart to see that in each hard thing, God taught me so many important lessons.  He drew me closer to Himself, and His grace was sufficient for each thing I faced.  Yes, there have been many points of weakness......that thing I don't like.  But at each of those points He has helped me learn and grow.  He has been faithful to me in each thing I've faced.

" 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.....For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12:9,10

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

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  Isaiah 40:29 

"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13

I guess what I'm saying is that in every "season" of this journey - both good things and hard, difficult things - God has used what I've walked through to teach me and draw me closer to Himself.  Keeping my eyes on Him, even thanking Him for everything, requires a deep level of trust.  I'm learning to trust Him more and more.  It's an important part of this journey.

As in so many places around the world, the Covid virus is raging around us.  In the midst of dealing with all the impacts of the pandemic, and the political turmoil, and various other stresses - it's easy to become weary.  I find it helpful and encouraging to remind myself of God's abundant, never-ending, faithful provision to us.

-  He is our strength when we're weak.

-  He has sufficient grace for every need we face.

-  He bears our sorrows and comforts us when we're heavy hearted.

-  He carries our burdens that we cast on Him.

-  He restores our wounded hearts.

-  He heals our sickness and infirmity.

-  He loves and accepts us just as we are.

-  He is always with us, never leaving us, Emmanuel.

-  He is unchanging - no worry about Him being different tomorrow.

-  He is full of mercy.

-  He gives us peace that passes understanding.

-  He is our counselor for the problems we face.

-  He is eternally faithful - we can depend on Him.

-  He rewards us when we diligently seek Him.

-  He gives wisdom when we ask.

-  He delivers us from evil, protects us from the enemy.

-  He is our hope when all seems hopeless.

-  He is at work to complete the work He began in us.

-  He is our Redeemer, lifting the burden of sin from our hearts.

-  He blesses us with all spiritual blessings.

-  He is our joy no matter what we face.

-  He fills us with His Holy Spirit.

The list is truly endless.  He is right beside us, holding our hand and helping us with whatever the day brings our way.  I couldn't make it without Him.  I'm so grateful for His provision for every need I face.

"My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."  2 Corinthians 9:8 

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."  Psalm 23:1

I am overwhelmed by God's goodness and mercy.  He is there to meet our every need.  He is so faithful!

One Step at a Time

Floyd's doctor tells me that he's doing good this week.  That's sweet news to hear.  

As I've written about hope and new beginnings in the new year - some have asked how is that possible when things are still so hard.  Covid is still raging, my husband is out of work, members of our family are sick, etc.  Believe me, I understand.  I've been walking through years of a difficult, unexpected journey - and I'm on a hard journey of recovery at the moment......and things are still the same with my dear husband.  These things aren't easy for any of us!

The only way to keep hope alive is to keep our eyes on Jesus rather than the circumstances.  And the only way to move forward and trust for new beginnings......is one step at a time, one day at a time.  It seems so slow, even tedious at times - but it's the only way forward.  We have to protect against hopelessness or despair entering in.  God provided manna in the desert for the children of Israel, and He'll provide the daily "bread" we need each day.

I confess that I like to hurry things along.  I want to be further down the road.  I want to have things "sorted," as they say here in South Africa.  I want to be "done" with all this!  But I'm not in control.  I have to keep my hand in the Lord's, and take one wobbly step at a time.

Every morning I ask the Lord to help me through the day ahead.  Yes, I want to get through the weeks and months ahead.....but I can only do that one day at a time.  It seems slow, but it's God's way forward.  He doesn't give us grace for the next few months.  He gives us grace day by day - even minute by minute.  And I know I couldn't make it without His grace!!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

"Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.  Today's trouble is enough for today."  Matthew 6:34

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  Isaiah 26:3

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

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation."  Psalm 68:19

Whenever I have a big project to do, I try to think of ways to break it up into bite size pieces to make it more manageable.  That's how I'm looking at the future - bite size, one day-at-a-time, one step at a time pieces.  As I keep my hand in His, and keep my eyes on Him - I know He'll help me.  And He'll help you!  He is so faithful.

He is Our Hope

Happy New Year!

I can't say for sure if Floyd knows we are entering a new year.  I often wonder if he's aware of the passage of time.  Either way, I'm grateful to know that the Lord's presence will be close to him as it has been all along our unexpected journey.  I've so often sensed an almost tangible presence of the Lord in his room.  It's very precious. 

I've been home from the hospital for 2 weeks now.  I'm definitely feeling better and gaining a little strength, but it's very slow going.  I pray for full healing and restoring of strength and health.

The Covid virus is raging here right now.  There is a mutant strain that is causing it to spread more rapidly.  Last night the President announced that we are moving from Level 1 to Level 3 of lockdown restrictions.  Hopefully this will help.

In times of difficulty, one of the first things the enemy does is try to get us to lose hope.  Proverbs 29 tells us that without vision (hope), the people perish.  When hope dies in our hearts, it impacts everything else in our lives.  Hope is the flame that needs to burn bright in our hearts to keep us focused on God and His plans for us.

I've always known this, believed this, but I've been learning again how important it is during my time in the hospital and in my recovery time now.  God has been speaking very clearly into my heart to "keep hope alive."  It's something I must actively work at.  It doesn't just happen.  There are several key things I've found helpful.

The first is to focus on the promises in the Word.  His Word is powerful - a mighty tool that we can use.  It's important to read, speak out, and pray His promises.  I claim them as I lift them in prayer.  He is always with us - never leaves us.  He goes before us to guide us.  He leads us through the valley times - we don't need to fear anything we are walking through - He is right with us, helping us along the way.  He is our Rock, our strength, our shelter, our help.  He is all we need.  In difficult moments, I focus on Him.  His grace helps me get through the hard times.  

I've also found it important to keep my mind occupied - staying centered on the promises I've read.  If I let my mind wander, it can easily lead to discouragement, hopelessness, and anxiety.  I love the verse from Philiippians 4:8 that speaks to this.  "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  Such clear instruction about the power and importance of what we think about.  When I'm struggling or having a hard day,  I find this verse to be such a powerful guideline.

Praise and worship is another important key.  I've found that in my weakness as I choose to speak out statements of worship, it releases power and strength to me.  Worship is powerful.  The Lord loves our worship.  I recently read that there are more verses in the Bible about praise and worship than there are about prayer.  God knew how much we would need the "tool" of worship.  It dispels darkness.  It strengthens us.  It puts things in their right perspective.  It takes our attention from ourselves and our needs to the Almighty God who meets our needs.

Focusing on His promises, keeping our thoughts centered on Him, and worshipping Him for His goodness - all are helpful in keeping hope alive in our hearts.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."  Hebrews 10:23

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope."  Psalm 130:5

My hope is in Him!!

I have been led to this verse from 2 Corinthians 4:7-9.  "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 

2020 has been a hard year!  For me, for our family, for many dear friends, and probably for every one of you reading this.  It seems the year has flown by in spite of everything, but I'm not sad to see it go.  In the midst of it all, thankfully - because of God's faithfulness and grace - we are not crushed, in despair, abandoned, or destroyed.  God has been by our side and has gotten us through.  He has shown up in His power and faithfulness.  I am so grateful.

I'm praying for new beginnings in this new year.  May we see breakthroughs and answers to prayer!  Let's trust Him and pray for that.

"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

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

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber."  Psalm 121:1-3

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5,6

As we enter a new year, we step out into something new......but we aren't alone.  He is with us, right by our side.  I'm confident that He has good things in store for us.

Carried

With the exception of a few days at home, I have spent most of the last 6 weeks in the hospital.  It’s been an intense time, to say the least.

There are some days I don’t remember much about.  Those are days they tell me that my life was hanging by a thread.  It’s probably just as well that I don’t remember them.

When I think of a time like this - words come to mind: digging deep, pressing in, interceding, wrestling, not giving up.  In my mind’s eye I see myself fighting for my life!

In reality as I look back over this time the words that come to me are very different.  The clear word, in capital letters, is CARRIED!!!  It’s inscribed on my heart and mind.  I didn’t have to fight - I was carried.

I don’t understand all the details.  Was I carried by God?  By the Holy Spirit?  By Angels?  By the prayers of the saints?  By all the above?  I don’t know - I just know I was carried.

To be honest, I didn’t have the strength to wrestle or fight.  But I could lay in His arms of grace and be carried.  I think I am only now becoming fully aware that in my weakness, He carried me.  I somehow sense that the digging deep, the wrestling, the not giving up all happened long ago.  This wasn’t the time for that.  During this time I needed to let Him carry me - and He did.  I’m still relaxing in that!

“Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions”  Deuteronomy 32:11

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.“  Psalm 63:8

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

“ He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”  Psalm 103:14

Last Christmas I saw a silly/funny cartoon.  A little baby is laying in a manger of hay.  The baby has a halo around its head.  Standing on each side is a donkey and a cow.  One says to the other - "Dude, there's a baby in the salad."

It's a bit of Christmas humor - but it also makes a big point.  Jesus wasn't born into a cozy, comfy, color co-ordinated nursery.  Mary didn't get to make sweet preparations for the birth of her little baby.  A stable to give birth in, and a manger to lay the baby in weren't what moms would choose.

The king of the universe, the Son of God was born into the lowliest of low conditions.

I love Christmas - everything about it.  I never get tired of any of it.  Christmas this year, however, has been very different.  No shopping.  No decorations.  Not one single Christmas carol.  Not even a Christmas card.

Since Nov. 6, all but a few of my days have been spent in a hospital bed.  I know Christmas is coming in a couple weeks, but I’ve seen no physical evidence of it!

As I was reflecting on this, I realized that nothing has really changed though.  My heart rings with songs of His birth, in my mind’s eye I see the stable “salad,” I see the sky filled with the choirs of angels - but, most of all, my heart SINGS because of His birth!  I’m so grateful that Jesus came.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Thank you Jesus for coming!

Securely Rooted in Him

It’s been a while since I have been able to write.  After my surgery I took a really bad turn and had to be readmitted to hospital.  Honestly the photo I have used for this post is ME!  I feel empty.  I feel like something has been lost, and I feel like I’m looking for part of me that has disappeared.  The photo is so vivid.  It really describes everything I feel right now.  However, you will note that in the midst of all the emptiness and all the sand being gone and in the midst of so much that isn’t there, the one thing that is clearly there are the roots.  The roots have not disappeared.  The roots have not gone!!  The roots are strong and firm in the midst of everything else being washed away.  If you look closely at the picture literally everything around it is washed away and yet the roots are firm and secure and still there.  This is how I feel right now too!!

I have been through an unbelievable trial  –  in fact I’m still in the middle of it  –  and yet in the midst of feeling very empty in that trial I also feel very full because my roots are secure.  I can’t tell you how good that feels.  I don’t think I’d make it through the trial without those strong roots surrounding me in the midst of the emptiness and barrenness.  I’m so, so grateful.  In the midst of our relationship with the Lord this is truly what we can look like.  We can still stand, we can still be rooted because we are planted in Jesus.  We can even keep growing because our roots are deep in Him.  Hard times, difficult times don’t have to leave us barren.  We may look like it to outsiders, like we are barren but we’re not.  We’re strong, we’re firm, we’re rooted in Him because of who He is.

As of right now I have spent much of the last four and a half weeks in the hospital.  I still don’t know what’s ahead.  It’s a big question mark.  I am diligently working on eating well, working with my therapist to regain strength and doing everything on my part to rebuild but I still need some very big miracles.  One of the prayers on my heart is that I can be home for Christmas.  I would love to be in my own home, I would love to be with a few friends.  It will take some miracles in my body, it will take practical miracles and it will take a lot of the Lord’s help.  I have been so very very grateful to know that so many are praying for Floyd and me.  It has meant the world to me, to have those prayers carry me along and that so many are trusting with me for these miracles.  

Thankfully in the midst of all this Floyd is holding steady and doing ok, and God is good and He is faithful!

God is Even Bigger!

Floyd is doing well over all, but he was distressed when he heard about my surgery today.  The therapist said he moaned softly and cried gently - she spent time with him to calm him down, and prayed with him.  I tried to "downplay" it as much as possible, but I knew I needed to tell him about it.  I am praying for his heart.

This week has been a very rough time.  I have struggled with high levels of pain which is why the doctor rushed to get my surgery date for today.  I'm so grateful for all the prayers and encouragements I have received.  

The surgery will be a big one - 4 surgeons involved, all working in their area of specialty.  This will be my 7th surgery, and my doctor reminds me it will be the biggest one I've faced yet........but I keep declaring that God is even bigger!!  I have to be honest and say that it's a bit daunting to me - but I also feel content and at peace.  It's a strange combination of feelings!

I'm reading a book with this dedication:  "To those who have learned that brokenness can be the door to blessing."  I love that.  I think it expresses what we have walked through the last few years.  We have experienced brokenness, pain, suffering - but also God's goodness, grace, strength, and faithfulness.  It has been both a difficult, and a precious time.

I remind myself of this as I face the daunting surgery ahead.   I look for the blessings!  And I continue to pray for miracles - in whatever way God wants to bring them.  

I would feel alone if it weren't for the fact that I know there are so many holding up my weak arms in prayer.  I am so grateful for that.  With the support of those prayers, and God's help!!!, I'll make it through

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."  1 Corinthians 10:13