It’s Father’s Day weekend and I wanted to take time to honor two great Dad’s (my Dad and my husband Ron). Many men can father a child, but it takes something extra special to be a “Dad”. A Dad invests time into you with sweat, discipline, hard work, love and sometimes tears. If you have a Dad like that you have a treasure.
We lost my Dad four years ago and not a day passes by that I don’t thank God for giving me such a wonderful Dad. He took the time to invest in me and my brother and the activities we participated in. He was an awesome listener and a treasure of wise advice. I could just talk to him about anything and he would really listen. He would come and pick me up, bringing me a cup of “half cut” tea just the way I like it and we’d meet Mom at the Food Pantry to serve the community. He was one of the most generous people. I sure do miss him but know I will see him again.
Me, Dad and my brother Forrest, 7 years ago.
I also want to honor my husband Ron for the great Dad he is to our son. Ron always makes himself available to our son if he needs him. It’s been amazing to watch how he will put things aside to do things with our son. The younger years of sports, fishing, trips, four wheeling, or whatever hobby Joshua was involved in, Ron made the time. This past year since Joshua stopped driving due to his vision, Ron has been there to take him anywhere he needs to go. Always saying, “If you need me to come pick you up, just call.” When Joshua calls an Uber, Ron is like, “Why didn’t you call me?” It;s amazing to see how much he loves our son. He is a treasure and I’m thankful.
Ron and Joshua, the year their team won the Optimist Bowl
So many great memories over the years with both of these great Dads. So thankful for the cherished times and lessons learned from my Dad. So thankful for all the great times Ron has poured into our son and looking forward to many more. So in honor of Father’s Day Thank You!!! With all my love and appreciation!
As I sat on the back porch yesterday morning, this blog topic came to me. Grace is such a treasured gift God gives us daily and we have opportunity aplenty to pass grace along to others. My prayer time is something that is a daily constant. I love my morning time with the Lord when I pour out my heart and ask Him to examine it and prompt me where I need change and surrender.
I absolutely love the ministry gifts of prayer and encouragement God has given me. It moves my heart to see prayer requests and hear of others needs and struggles in life. God brings people my way who need prayer and I’m honored to lift their needs up to the Lord. Recently I had two people share with me about two ladies dealing with vision loss. Another person accidentally messaged me, but as it turned out they needed prayer after being in three car accidents in a short period of time. I marvel at how God brings people into my life through social media and He moves my heart to cover them in prayer. It is a privilege to lift others up to the Lord. It’s like planting seeds of grace and He will nourish and answer in His perfect time.
God has brought me through much in life and He continues to guide me forth with strength I otherwise don’t have. It’s only through His Holy Spirit that I am able to rise above whatever and I know this is due in a large part to the prayer covering I have. I know many people pray for me and Jesus Himself intercedes for us! What a tremendous blessing. Because I know and have experienced the power of prayer, I desire to plant those seeds of prayer and grace for others. If you need prayer, I invite you to comment to this blog and I will pray for you.
Another thing I pray for each morning is revival. We need revival and it starts within our own hearts, and overflows into our marriage, our children, families, our communities, churches, cities, states, nation and world. It starts with me and you. Prayer and revival changes us and sets our hearts anew with hunger for the things of God! Let’s challenge each other to plant seeds of grace, to seek the Lord in prayer for ourselves and others. Lord let revival and healing come. Be blessed!
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 (NLT)
To write or not to write….. no that isn’t the hardest question. I’ll certainly have to clear this with someone before publishing it (and I certainly will). (He said it was fine to publish it.)
#Iykyk…. Yep that’s the truth and half the time, no I take that back, the majority of the time people don’t know. (For my older reader, and I know there are a few. IYKYK means if you know you know).
This afternoon was the time for a deep discussion and sharing. The majority I won’t repeat and this little bit that I do share I will make sure he is ok with sharing. People can learn from these things. It was after church and our 27 year old son was annoyed due to his hearing and vision issues and not being able to understand. I totally understand. I remember years ago, a bit younger than him, being quite annoyed during church to the point that I got up and walked out crying. That was before I had learned sign language. So many similarities between us and it does truly hurt my heart to see him endure these things.
So at the end of a lengthy much needed talk today he asked me the hardest question he could ask, saying I was the only one who really understood. He asked, “If you knew you could pass along your hearing and vision problems would you have still had me?” I honestly responded, “Well, I did ask my doctor if I could pass along my limitations and he said no. But honestly, you are my greatest joy.”. He then gave me a big hug. No one and I mean absolutely no one besides God will ever understand our situation and frustrations we endure.
Yesterday my mom picked me and Joshua and his puppy Moose up. We went to Brixx to sit outside for pizza then went to mom’s so Joshua could help in her yard. Moose is a little magnet for attention being the cute puppy he is. Joshua took Moose for a little walk while we waited for the bill. A few people approached him and asked about Moose. He of course didn’t hear it all and it bothered him. He related a situation that happened at the gym when someone he knew walked by and was talking to him but he didn’t hear them nor recognize them and he felt bad. I told him today you need to say, “Look I’m hearing and visually impaired. I’m not ignoring you I just didn’t hear or see you.” I totally get it. It took me years to be able to say that. You just don’t want people to see weakness. As I talked and encouraged him today I asked him, “How do you think I live with all this with Joy and peace? It’s not in my own strength! I’ve gotten to a point where I honestly say, “Lord I can’t do this but with Your help I can.” You need to get to that point.”. I shared with him the scripture in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, “Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (NLT) The bold is what I emphasized to him. It’s not what we can do as a person but what God can do through us when we surrender what we want and let Him do what’s His perfect Will.
I will tell you as a mom these are the most precious conversations because God has given us such a bond that no one else understands. It’s hard to find really genuine people who stick by your side. People disappoint you but God is always there. Joshua said , “If He’s there.” I said, “ Watch me as I breathe. You see my lungs rise as they fill with air then recede?” He said , “yes”. I said,”You can’t see the air, but you can see my lungs fill with it. It’s the same with God. He is there. You can’t see Him but He fills us when we let Him.” He said,” Good analogy.”
I don’t understand God but His ways are not our ways as He is so much higher than we are. All I know is to pray and trust God through every single mountain and valley. It’s hard. People don’t understand. We can’t hold that against them. It’s hard to understand something you’ve never experienced. We have to let go and let God. There is no other way. Nothing in this world will ever satisfy our souls like knowing Jesus and walking with Him. As we sang at the end of church today, Oh it reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley. The blood that gives me strength from day to day. It will never lose its power.
Sometimes these deep testimonies are needed. So many people deal with so many things and people never know. It’s my hope and prayer that in being transparent you will know you aren’t alone. You never know what someone is dealing with. The deep frustration and annoyance, so always have a kind smile and kind world. It can can make a difference.
When I asked Joshua’s permission to share a small fraction of our conversation he was okay with it. I told him a lot of people go through hard things and say nothing. When people share these life lessons, they realize they aren’t alone. It’s my prayer this encourages someone and reminds you to pray for those around you. You never know what people are dealing with. Be Blessed and better yet, be a Blessing!
Lately I’ve been reading and listening to the book of Proverbs that is so rich in sound advice. I’m currently going through the New Living Translation Today as I listened to several chapters (it’s good auditory therapy for me) I was struck by how many verses are about our speech, the power of words and their impact. Here are quite a few verses I came across today, all of which are from the New Living Translation. “A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.” Proverbs 14:3, “The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.” Proverbs 16:21, “Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24, “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” Proverbs 16:28, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4, “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” Proverbs 15:23, “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” Proverbs 15:28, “If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” Proverbs 15:31, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)
Wow this was just from a few chapters. There is so much power in words whether spoken or written/ typed/ texted. How often do we think about the impact of our words? How often do we say or text something in haste, then regret it? (Or edit what was sent?). Editing is a luxury of modern times, however spoken words once said can impact in a powerful way.
Let’s think about our words. With words we encourage, inspire, spread cheer, correct, hurt, tear down, gossip and crush. We would be wise to choose our words carefully. We can light up the world or burn it down with the words we choose. Let’s choose to encourage and build up, refraining from causing destruction.
Today I got a notification from my blogging site that I’ve hit a milestone: over 10,000 views. I was humbled. I never take lightly the responsibility of blogging. God will hold me accountable for the words I send out. I want to always encourage and inspire people to trust God in life’s storms. Four years ago in the midst of Covid-19, when I published my autobiography, I felt a burden to encourage people. Rooted by the Water is my testimony of walking with God and relying on Him despite life’s hardships. That’s why I started and have continued to blog for the last four years, to spread hope, joy, resilience and the fact that You can do hard things with God’s help.
As I read Proverbs today, saw the notification of having over 10,000 views on rootedbythewatere.blog it was confirmation of the power of words. I pray that God continued to guide me in topics to blog on and stories to share to bring joy and laughter to the heart.
You don’t have to be a blogger, writer, teacher, preacher etc to realize the impact of the words you choose to use. Let’s all be aware of power behind what we say. Let’s build up and encourage others.
If you’re going to say negative things, gossip, argue, bring division and tear down, do everyone a favor and zip it! Those negative words have an impact that spills into those around you. Positive words have the opposite effect and bring joy to others. Let’s make the world a better place, one positive encouraging word at a time.
You can find my book Rooted by the Water on Amazon (ebook, soft cover and hard cover). If you know someone who could use some encouragement, send them a copy. You can also subscribe to my blog. This coming July will mark four year of blogging once or twice a week. It’s my hearts desire to bring glory to God through sharing how He brings beauty from the hard things in life. Thank you all for your support and prayers. God is faithful always. Be blessed!!
Not the best picture, but it’s me at the end of this day.
I’m probably going to keep this short because I’m feeling rather drained. Yes, I was able to muster up a smile in the above picture. I can usually pull that off but it’s going to be an early to bed kind of night. Today I had my appointment with my audiologist to map (program) my cochlear implant processor. My previous audiologist was also there and they had a specialist with Advanced Bionics in California on the phone. The specialist recommended some adjustments to try to help me understand speech better. My brain seems to process speech slower than the majority of people talk. I usually have trouble hearing my husband because his voice doesn’t carry. My Audi Jenna made changes then had me and Ron to talk and see if I could hear him better. I hear him better now with the changes that were made, but it is still off.
Jenn asked if I was ready to “work” and I replied, “Yes, always have to be up for that.” The sound booth is not my cup of tea. I close my eyes to concentrate on hearing beeps, words, sentences, or whatever she wants me to listen to. I felt my body tense as I tried to hear things correctly. I mentally made myself relax and refocused. I didn’t feel like I had done well with the words. As it turned out, I got three more correct than last time. Three! Once we started the sentences I was so stressed. Out of all the random, and I do mean very random sentences, I got one completely right!! ONE! That one sentence was; Do you believe in miracles?” I looked through the little window at where she was sitting and said, “Yes! Do you believe in miracles?” Do you think that’s a coincidence that was the one and only sentence I totally understood? I don’t! I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in God and I’ve been praying for miracles and I will continue to believe until it occurs in our lives. Yes we all need one! Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Can I see it yet? Nope! Am I sure of what I hope for? Just as sure as one can humanly be. So what do I do in the meantime as I wait? I will praise my God for He enabled me to hear that one sentence. I will thank Him and continue to seek Him because life isn’t about getting what I want. It’s about serving God with a pure heart in the good, the bad, the ugly and the stressful. That’s been 2025 so far. I was just texting Mom to let her know how it went today. At the end of the text I honestly said, “2025 has been a stressful rollercoaster that I’m ready to get off of”. She said, “Your miracle is coming and Joshua’s is too.”
God is my waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. Yes that;s right! Even when I don’t feel or see Him working, He is still working behind the scenes; Working all things out! So in the waiting, I will lift Him high in the lowest valleys and I will continue to praise Him. He’s my Abba and I know He loves me and I’m not alone. Be encouraged. Whatever you are facing. God is great at making ways when there isn’t one. Be blessed!
Truth be told, while watching our early service online this morning I maybe comprehended 65% of what Pastor was saying. We are on puppy duty for the next few days while our son is out of town. His 3 month old puppy Moose is missing his buddy. While Moose loves “crate time” for a couple of hours during the day, Joshua lets him sleep in the bed with him at night. Since last night was the first night of our puppy duty, Moose ended up sleeping with us. He must sleep walk because he sure did move around quite a bit. At one point he was on my pillow chewing of my hair. Needless to say Ron didn’t get much sleep being the light sleeper that he is. I got our dog Joy and the puppy up and told Ron to get some more sleep.
It was the perfect day to watch the early service live from YouTube. I’m so thankful for Bluetooth technology, my Marvel cochlear implant processor and live streaming church services. Moose was a bit blue today missing Joshua. We went out on the deck and he sat with me while I listened to the worship music and softly sang along. We all know I can’t carry a tune, and who knows if the neighbors were out on their porch? I can’t see that far.
I was able to follow Pastor fairly well but there were portions I missed. This is what I got from the message, Be Prepared. Pastor touched on Matthew 25 about the ten bridesmaids who were waiting for the Bridegroom. Five were wise having extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish, bringing no extra oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom was late, the five foolish bridesmaids had run out of oil. Of course they wanted the five wise bridesmaids to share their extra oil but there wasn’t enough for all. We always need to be prepared.
Now is a good time for us to examine our hearts and see where we stand in preparation for the coming of the Lord. Are you ready? So many Christians today are compromised. Can someone look at how you live, your reactions, your attitude, your lifestyle and actually SEE that you are SOLD OUT for JESUS? So many Christians allow a blurred line between what is righteous and what is not. We are called to be separate from the world. People should be able to SEE that we are DIFFERENT! Paul writes the following in 2 Corinthians 6: “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NLT) That’s pretty clear.
Jesus is returning for His Bride , the Church. He could return at anytime. Are you ready? Are you prepared? Sometimes we need to ask ourselves the hard questions. As long as your heart is beating and you have breath in your lungs, you can make a choice for Jesus.
We can’t live off someone else’s anointing. You might say, “ Well I go to church.” Most church services are two hours, what about the other 166 hours in the week? Do we seek God; searching His Word an praying, seeking Him for direction? It’s time to take preparation seriously. We are to always be prepared for what lies ahead. The best part of that is God is already ahead. He already knows the way and leads us when we choose to follow. That is such a comfort to my heart.
Let me encourage and challenge you with two more verses. “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
Now I better get back to puppy duty. I left Moose in the other room with Ron watching some kickboxing match while Joy and I are chilling in the bedroom. Old Granny Joy needed a break from Moose constantly wanting to play. He was literally prancing in her face a while ago, but didn’t touch her. She wasn’t amused. Pray the pup doesn’t “puppy sleep walk” tonight in the bed. Two days down, three more to go. Good night!
This is a detour from the norm but detours are good. Hang with me here as I share my insights, personal beliefs and experience. A friend from college introduced me to some intriquing technology. Before I go into that let me first say that as a person who is always looking for something to help me and my son Joshua; doctors can’t really help our visual issues due to optic nerves. It seems they can treat most things or at least help, but not with our visual issues. That said, I like to leave no stone unturned….. meaning if it’s legal, ethical and affordable then it’s worth a try. Over the years I have tried many things including diet, chiropractors, essential oils, and prayer. Always prayer!
As for diet and environmental exposure, we live in a fallen world where industry profits sadly come before our health. The medical industry treats symptoms not the underlying root issues. I once asked my Primary Care Doctor if nutrition would help my nerve issues. (All the visual and hearing issues are due to nerve problems) He said, “Shannon that would take a long time.” I’m thinking, Hello, what is my other option? Nothing else helps!.
I believe God created our bodies to heal since our body is constantly renewing itself. Did you know your body is constantly regenerating itself: cells, tissues and organs? Each day our body works to repair, rebuild and renew. That’s how God designed us. Here’s a little look at how long it takes for your body to naturally regenerate:
Skin: every 28 days
Liver: every 365 days
Thyroid: 3-6 months
Stomach lining: every 5 days
Red blood cells: every 4 months
Bones repair: 6–8 weeks
Muscle Repair: 4-8 weeks (source found online)
My friend Kellie who I met in college years ago shared Phototherapy techonology with me. She personally has had many benefits from using x39 patches, including better sleep, no more migraines, no more hot flashes, decreased brain fog, among other things. The patches use light to redirect energy back into your body. Internal healing requires energy and communication. That’s where LifeWave’s X39 patch shines. It activates your body’s natural healing cells and resets over 4,000 genes to a younger, healthier state — all using light, no drugs or chemicals. Helping your body heal is within reach.
You might be wondering why X39 for Regeneration? Let’s look at a few things:
Promotes activation of your body’s own stem cells by elevating GHK-cu (copper) peptides. This GHK-cu or copper peptide resets 4,192 genes to younger and healthier state
Improves wound healing and tissue repair
Reduces inflammation — a key blocker of regeneration
Enhances cellular communication and energy
Supports better sleep and faster recovery
Powerful supporting patches for assisting regeneration:
Aeon: Reduces stress and inflammation, balances nervous system
Glutathione: Master antioxidant, essential for detox and immune strength
Carnosine: Supports tissue repair, especially in the brain and muscles
Energy Enhancer: Boosts ATP and oxygenation, improving cell function
X49: A fantastic companion to X39 — supports muscle building, bone strength, and cardiovascular health
Together, this patch system gives your body the tools it needs to repair from the inside out. You’re not just managing symptoms, you’re supporting root-level regeneration.
I want to give my body what it needs to do what it was designed to do: Heal! My X39 journey started on April 3, 2025. I had just gotten over a combination of covid, flu A and flu B. It had been over 29 years since I had been that sick. I believe the X39 patch helped me to bounce back quicker that I otherwise would have. My energy has improved, more brain clarity and I’m sleeping better. Joshua is also sleeping better. Of course we have not yet seen improvement in our vision or hearing but I have hope. It’s been my prayer Lord allow these patches to activate our own stem cells that will repair whatever You want in our body according to You Will. Yes that has been my prayer. A bonus benefit is my skin is looking radiant. I am drinking half my body weight in water to help with the process. It will take time but I have great hope.
Other than X39 I also use Carnosine patch a few times a week and Aeon. Funny thing about Aeon, it came to me accidentally. I was going to send it back but read the things it can help with: helps reduce inflammation, cortisol (stress hormone), C-reactive proteins, and stress. It elevates SOD (superoxide dismutase) which is important for your body’s stress response, and balances autonomous nervous system, as well as and hormonal production. It is also known as the ‘happy’ patch.
The day Aeon came in had been a very stressful day. You know how life sometimes comes at you from all sides? Not just my normal stress but outside factors I had no control over. It left me feeling drained, tense and so down. After reading the benefits of Aeon I told Ron I wanted to try it out. I put an Aeon patch on the back of my neck and went to lay down. Within an hour and a half, I was astonished that I felt a shift and more relaxed. I have used Aeon daily for the last two weeks. I feel more at ease and able to handle life stresses more easily.
Disclaimer: I’m not one to believe everything that’s said or that I read. I believe in giving a honest trial of products. These patches work systemically and aren’t said to address any certain disease. This techonology redirects light energy to enable your body to do what God intended. If you would like more information feel free to reach out and I will be happy to share what I’m learning. If I can’t answer a question, I will find out for you. There are so many testimonials that are intriguing and give hope. The patches are patented and have case studies to back them up. See the below link for more iinformation.
I’m so thankful that at the age of 56 I still have my Mom. My brother and I had lunch with her today. No one else was able to join us, but we still met up. I love these times together. She came and picked me up so we could meet him at Moe’s. There were a few times I missed what was said but she or he filled me in. That’s the love of family. We are far from perfect but that’s okay. We accept each other, flaws and all. The older I’ve become, the more I appreciate the smallest little gestures of love.
In my humble opinion, one of the greatest rewards of being a Mother is found is Proverbs 31:28: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” (NKJV) My Mom certainly has attained this cherished reward of blessing from me, my brother and my Dad when he was alive. I am so thankful for the blessing of still having Mom with us. I don’t always get to see her,, but I do talk to her everyday. She is loved and appreciated!
27 years ago God blessed Ron and I with our son Joshua. There’s nothing that can so fully awaken the deep love and appreciation for a Mom, then to experience it for yourself. Being a Mother is one of my favorite ”roles” in life. Pouring love into a child or fur baby and receiving love in return is priceless. Mom’s celebrate the joys and mourn the losses in life. A Mom is always there for you, thinking about you and wanting to “step in and save the day”. One of the hardest things is to see your child hurt or going through a rough lesson and having to sit back and pray them through it.
Me and Joshua about 10 years ago in the mountains.
As a Mom I cover my son and family each day, trusting God to work everything according to His perfect Will. I know my Mom prays the same for me and my brother, her Grands and Greatgrands. The prayers of a Mother are strong and powerful: a guaranteed “prayer warrior” that’s truly one of the greatest gifts in life.
This is a tribute to my Mom and all Mother’s out there. You are loved and appreciated beyond measure. Thank you for all you do, for the daily prayers, time spent together…. just everything. For those whose Mom has already passed, celebrate her memory. It matters not if you are a birth Mom, adopted Mom or a fur baby Mom, you are loved and appreciated. Happy Mother’s Day weekend to you all!!!
Good morning 😊 As I was reading in Psalms this morning many scriptures stood out to me and I highlighted them as I read. I love the writings of David. He had a heart for God yet quite often was pursued by his foes. Sometimes he was surrounded by troubles, yet he held tight to his trust in God. Here is one of the scriptures I highlighted this morning; “The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.” Psalms 12:6 (NLT)
Have you ever put your hand over an open flame and held it there? How long can you endure a single flame of a candle? Now imagine a furnace with constant extreme heat and flames. That’s not something I’d want to be near for long. Silver is refined in a furnace. In the intense heat it brings out the pure beauty of the silver. God’s promises are like that, refined in a furnace seven times over. God’s promises are so true and pure. They are trustworthy always. When we are struggling in daily life, we can hold tightly to God’s promises. The Bible is full of the promises of God, but how can you know them unless you read it?
Life can be stressful, coming at us from all sides. You have your own issues to deal with in my case hearing and vision issues. You also have the normal day to day stresses everyone has. You can feel stress that others in your family are facing. There is the helplessness that you feel with “outside” stressors that you have no control over. There have been several days like that recently. I know I’m not alone here. I hear it from others and I pray for their release from the “weight” stress brings. God answered one of those prayers yesterday. I woke to a text from a friend. She said, “Shannon my depression is gone!” I was so overjoyed for her. It’s frustrating how the enemy will come in and steal that momentary joy. I talked with my friend about what was troubling me and she also encouraged me.
The fact remains that we can trust in God’s promises. The world is full of troubles and when your heart is set on pleasing God, you end up as a target for the enemy. Let’s look at one of God’s promises to us. Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 (NLT) I can tell you that really encourages me. We can expect the trials and sorrows in this world but can be sure that Jesus has overcome it all! Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God. I love the following scriptures; “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) Be encouraged!!!
Back when I played the piano (chords memorized) my teacher/ friend Charisanne wrote out the chords from an Elevation Worship song Do it again (2017). I love all the lyrics. I will post a YouTube video below in case you’ve never heard it. The chorus goes like this; Yourpromise still stands Great if your faithfulness, faithfulness. I’m still in Your hands. This is my confidence You’ve never failed me. Towards the end of the song it says; I’ve seen You move. You move the mountains and I believe I’ll see you do it again.You made a way when there was no way and I believe I’ll see You do it again.🙌🏼
Somebody worship the Lord with me this morning. God’s promises stand! He is faithful and just! Absolutely nothing is impossible for our God! Be encouraged. You are loved.
Good morning. Today starts a new week. It’s a new day to live out our purpose. I’m not exactly sure where I am going with this, so stay with me as I sort through what God has put on my heart.
Having a new puppy in the family, our daily routines have shifted a bit and lots of puppy proofing is continuously being done. Lots of refereeing between our “Old Queen” Joy and puppy Moose who constantly is exploring and playing with everything.
I “have to” maintain my morning quiet time. It is a MUST for me to function with a good attitude with whatever life throws at me I’ve been waking up a bit earlier before anyone else so I can have my quiet time with the Lord. I’m thankful for the discipline God has given me to set this morning time apart for Him. Do I always feel like it? No, but I do it anyway. During these times He ministers to my heart and points out things that I need to work out. I’m so thankful for His daily guidance. It makes all the difference in the world in my approach and perspective in life. It softens my words toward others and helps me to think before speaking or withhold something my flesh wants to say, but should not.
My question to you is, what’s stopping you from giving God first priority in your life? First fruits of your morning time so God can direct the course of your day? It is a choice. I know having a family is demanding. Families are a blessing from the Lord. God understands when your role as a parents or spouse require your time and effort. We can sacrifice and wake a bit earlier before anyone.
In todays culture our cell phones and devices attract our first moments when we wake. What’s the latest news, did anyone contact me this morning, did anyone “like” my social media post? Yes, indeed we are all quilty o that. God has dealt with me on the “device” issue.My trouble was that I read my Bible online because I can zoom in to see it better. So the temptation is there to look at other things first. I have to discipline myself to pray first then read God’s Word.
What about unforgiveness? Can having unforgiveness in your heart prevent you from seeking the Lord? As I pray I ask the Lord to forgive me of offending Him. I don’t mean to and honestly try to live a Godly live, but I am human and I do fall short. I’m so thankful that Jesus forgives me when I confess my sins. He also desires me to forgive others who offend me. People are people and I think quite often they don’t “intend” to hurt your feelings they just don’t think. Since Jesus shows us such amazing grace, we ought to do the same. Forgive and forget! Forget? Yes, forget! We shouldn’t hold a “record of wrongs” done to us. God can enable us to have a forgiving spirit.
As I was reading the Bible this morning (I chose a Chronological Bible plan for this year) I came across a story where King David asked Ornan to sell his threshing floor so that King David could raise an altar for sacrifice. Here is this scripture that caught my attention. “Then Ornan said to David, “Take it, and let my Lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering; I give it all.” But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”” 1 Chronicles 21:23-24 (ESV). Do you notice David refuses to take it for free? He is determined to pay for it, it would cost him something. This same thing can apply to us. Seeking the Lord costs us something. Let’s be eager to grow in our relationship with Jesus. It’s going to cost us something but it is so worth it. So….. what’s stopping you? Have a blessed day! You are loved!
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