#waymaker – Page 2 – rootedbythewater.blog

Strength from weakness

July 30, 20242 Comments

Have you ever wondered why God uses the weak to show His great strength? Some of the most incredible testimonies of God’s mercy, grace and power come from those who endure the greatest “tests” in life. I just love how God works. ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ tells us,“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;” (NKJV‬‬) Then again in Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭29‬, “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.” (NKJV‬‬)

I will be honest. When I wrote the title of this blog last week, I meant to publish it a couple of days after my last blog titled “Transformed” I had scriptures in my notes to use but God has taken me to look at this blog from a different angle. Different scriptures are coming to mind and as I look them up, the blog is indeed changing. You see, I’m just a weak vessel in dire need of “filling” by the Holy Spirit daily. We are nothing until God pours into us. We are weak, weary, tired,incapable but with God, it’s a whole different story. I’m so thankful.

It is such a wonder to see Isiah 61 in the present. Beauty from ashes, Joy instead of mourning, praise instead of the spirit of heaviness. Here is the scripture: “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”” Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭3‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

I get it! I see God at work in things around me. He doesn’t tend to call those who have it all together. He equips those He calls. They are most likely a weak humble vessel but He equips them to do His work. I want to share one breif example that happened a few months ago. While ministering at RiceNBeans, another staff and I were talking to two men waiting at the bus stop. These people live in poverty, while others are homeless. My friend was interpreting for me so I could understand the conversation. It was so neat to see one man ministering to another. We were there to minister to them but God uses them to minister to us. I remember the man telling the other man that God has an appointed time for us to die. He said he had tried to take his life several times, but he was still alive because God was not finished. Talking about a testimony of God’s perfect timing and molding that man to see “HIS”hand on his life. Another man said he was so blessed because he knows Jesus. God pours into these precious people. He will pour into you also.

Do you see what I’m seeing? We are created to bring glory to the Lord. We do not glory in our selves or our own accomplishments, rather we crucify our fleshly nature. Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (NLT‬‬)

God is so so faithful! Last Sunday at church as we sang the last song, tears rolled down my cheeks. We were singing “Great is they faithfulness”. If you are a believer you probably know the song. For those reading who might not know it, part of it says: “morning by morning new mercies I see, all I have need thy hands have provide, great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me.” That is so incredibly true. Every single morning God pours out fresh mercies on us. Years ago I came across Lamentations 3: 20‬-‭24‬; “I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”” ( ‭NLT‬‬)

Wow! I will honestly say, this blog took a completely different turn from what I thought it would be. However that is great because I never want blogging to be what I want to say but rather what God gives me to say. It won’t always be on the timetable I desire. (I meant to do this last week but God had me wait) I am not perfect and struggle daily As a matter of fact I apologized to my husband yesterday because my attitude was off. I saw it and was not happy with my responses. Living with hearing and visual issues can be wearying. It is frustrating to do things according to when others are ready. I wanted to get the grocery shopping done early but I don’t drive so I had to wait until late afternoon. Waiting is the story of my life! Last night our son Joshua was frustrated because he wanted to be able to just get in the car and drive himself to the gym rather than wait for his friend who was delayed a couple of hours. It can be a “walled in” kind of feeling, but God! Joshua was also preparing for a test but had trouble seeing the book font. He took pictures of each page on his iPad so he could zoom in to see. Where there is a will, there is a way! Amen! God uses our weaknesses to mold our character. Oh if you only knew….

I will end with this last scripture: ”That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus. He is our strength, our fortress. He will never let us down. Be encouraged. Whatever you are facing, God has you! You are loved!
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Morning Squab Fun

July 6, 2024Leave a Comment

Opening the dining room blinds this morning, I noticed the Squabs (baby Mourning Doves) were very active and have grown so much. I grabbed my iPad to video them. They are such a wonder to observe. They really do make my heart happy. The Momma Dove sits all regal while her Squabs “carry on” with their activity. It is truly the neatest thing to watch.

Yesterday when I looked out the window, the Momma had left the nest but the Squabs were there. I told my husband Ron, the Momma was possibly watching from somewhere in the yard. I’m guessing from their size, they may be near the time to leave the nest. I was telling my Mom about them yesterday and mentioned how I’d like to clean the front porch once they have learned to fly and leave the nest. I told her, “ I’m going to put a pause to any more “dovey” reproduction plans until I get my porch cleaned. “ Every time I get ready to pressure wash the porch we see a new nest. They are messy but they are also worth the mess with how precious they are.

Life is like that in so many ways. Sometimes our “plans” are put on hold for whatever reason. We have to wait until the “busy squab-messy” season has transitioned to resume a “normal” life. (If there is such a thing) We are in a season like that. Our son moved back home in April and has been in a full time Massage Therapy program. He has given up driving and sold his car, due to his visual issues. He’s trying out his hearing aids once again to see if they might help him understand better in class. That’s yet to be seen. He hears some voices better than others. I am so proud of him. He’s not perfect, far from it actually (but aren’t we all) but he has humbled himself and is doing his best with what he has. He’s learned to “laugh” at what life throws. He has a resilience and takes his frustrations out in the gym.

Like the Momma Dove, we as parents are there while he’s learning to transition and handle what life throws. He is a marvel to watch and he makes my heart smile. Ron has been so awesome with him, willing to take him wherever he needs to go. The things you do for your “squab” but it’s worth every second. God has a plan and we are trusting Him every step of the way. I will be the first to tell you, it’s not easy. It can be hard. As a parent you want to “fix things” but God is the one who is leading. Sometime we need to stay out of “His” way and just pray and trust. That’s where I am at this point.

I know God has us. He is trustworthy and won’t fail us. He has a plan and we are holding tight to His hand. God has you too! Whatever your situation, you can give it to Him and trust Him to strengthen you as you wait for His plan to unfold. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”(NLT)

If you liked this blog post, please subscribe and share. It’s interesting the way blogs come to life. I will see something, read something, or something might ha and God speaks to my heart. Those are the times I write. It usually happens once a week, sometimes more. I am coming up on my third anniversary of blogging and have posted over 200 blog posts since July 18, 2021. The blog is a continuation of my journey that I shared in my autobiography, “Rooted by the Water”. You can find it on Amazon. I am considering writing a fiction novel, but awaiting on confirmation from the Lord concerning that. We will see where He leads. Life sure does give much fodder for story line.

God bless you all and have an awesome Saturday. I will post on my Facebook page, the video I took of the Squabs this morning. Check out my page on Facebook, Rooted by the Water.
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About those roots

June 10, 2024Leave a Comment

Today I went back to the pictures my friends took of the Angel Oak Tree, to zoom in on the roots. Only the base of the tree trunk that becomes the root system slightly shows, but you know with a massive tree of that size the root system must be incredibly complex. While the root system is not visible; however with the size, magnitude and leaf canopy observable, can you even imagine the potential size of the roots? Roots provide water and nutrients for all parts of a tree. Roots also act as an anchor providing stability.

Stay with me here. In my last blog “The Most Magnificent Tree”, I reflected on all the storms and history the tree possibly endured to reach its present age and size. I was intrigued thinking about the roots feeding and bringing water to that HUGE tree. In my momentary line of thinking, I’m considering the tree bark kind of like an armor providing protection. Is that too far fetched?

People are like trees in all their variety , shape and beauty. While a persons root system is not easily seen, you can tell what roots a person. Yesterday at church the altar was full of people desiring prayer and strength for their burdens. One of my friends mentioned how many people are just weary and weighed down by “life”. However, rather than breaking under the pressures of life, these people were going to Jesus in prayer. He provides the “living water” and life giving nutrients that sustain us and help us rise above life’s weight. As Christians we are rooted and established in love: our love for God and desire to rise up and give Him glory propels us forward! Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ says,“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” ( ‭NKJV‬‬)

Like the bark on the Angel Oak Tree, we also need the protection of the Armor of God! That includes the belt of truth fastened around us, the breast plate of righteousness shielding our hearts, the helmet of salvation to protect our minds, our feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith to extinguish the devils lies and schemes and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. (See Ephesians 6:10-18) We fight in prayer! Prayer changes things! Most of all, prayer changes us.

I would like to address one more thing. This is the very first year we have attempted a raised garden. I received a cedar planter for my birthday in April. I watched our backyard to determine the best area that received the most sunlight. We chose the soil to use and plants to plant. We’ve watered the plants daily and take delight in watching them grow. Our tomato plants were getting a bit weighed down so my husband Ron put in some stakes to give them support. There are sixteen tomatoes growing! So far we don’t see any colored peppers or cantaloupe. Hopefully we will have a harvest and plant more for the Fall and Winter garden. The tomatoes have done better since Ron added the stakes to support them. Just like those stakes, God puts friends and family in our lives to encourage us and pray for us when we are tipping over by the weight of life. I’m thankful for the wonderful people, family and church family, God has placed around us to reinforce our faith, speak life and God’s Word over us and pray.

There are so many lessons we can learn from God’s creative expressions in creation. Take the time to really look at all God has done and let Him teach you from His inspiring nature. From the dove nest on our porch this Spring, to flowers, trees, our dog Joy, personalities of people, the stunning artistic colors of the sky to ant hills…. I see my God, my Creator, everywhere and it makes my heart smile. I don’t know why He made me such a deep soul but I delight in His truths and the wonderful way He shares them with me.

It’s my prayer that you have received encouragement or perhaps even been challenged through this blog. I find it so refreshing when people can be real and transparent. We can all learn from each other. Life lessons are amazing teachers. I’m thankful for all The Lord is teaching me. Please check out my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon (hard cover, soft cover and ebook formats) I pray it’s a blessing to you and encouragement to never give up in hard situations. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.
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30 ~This is Us

April 30, 2024Leave a Comment

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f6b_28HdTCPQpeKLfZx2_tkQ

Today marks 30 years of marriage. If I knew in the beginning what I know now, I would have held my tongue on the petty stuff that wasn’t worth arguing over. The saying “you live and learn” has certainly proven to be true. Marriage goes so much further than that though. You also grow, learn to work through tricky situations, listening to each other, Praying for each other individually and together. There is a balance of love, encouragement and persevering that develops over many year.s. We have seen some great times, making great memories. We have also seen some of the toughest of times, shedding tears and even laughed through some of them in utter disbelief but we do it together.

We are better together. Are we perfect? NO! We fall down, we get back up. We fuss, we apologize. We forgive and honestly move on. Marriage is working through life together. We are not a Ron or a Shannon, we are a couple. We’ve seen so many couples hit rough patches, have midlife crisis, entering new stages in life then “toss in the towel”. Little do they realize that when a couple works through these things together, they come out so much stronger. Hold on to your marriage! It’s worth fighting for. You won’t always feel the “warm fuzzy feelings” that are there in the beginning. Love is a decision. When we exchanged our vows, we meant it.

I’m thankful to be Ron’s wife. Through it all, God has strengthened our love for each other as we grow stronger in Him. I’m thankful for this life we have built together and continue growing each day. I pray God blesses us with many more. Happy Anniversary Ron! I love doing life with you!🤟🏼

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When you can’t fix it

February 28, 2024Leave a Comment

My fixed elephant tail and my processor that stopped beeping.

We all occasional break things and reach for the super glue. Sometimes the glue works, other times it doesn’t. In the last two weeks my husband Ron has fixed one of my favorite pair of shoes,a ceramic bird and my favorite baby ceramic elephant. I still don’t know how its tail broke off. Last Wednesday I saw Ron with his super glue working on my elephants butt. Somehow its tail broke off but he managed to fix it.

Technology is a different story. Today while I was prepping my Bible study notes I send to the girls in our Bible study group, out of the blue my cochlear implant processor began to beep. There was a series of three beeps that happened over and over. It was like it was being programmed but I had no idea why. I turned it off then back on, but the beeps continued. I changed the battery twice but that didn’t work either. I also tried disconnecting the bluetooth feature from my iPad, but it still kept beeping. Oh my word! It was so annoying but I could not fix it. Ron was taking me to my friend’s house to help her cook for the homeless ministry. While in the car, I e mailed my audiologist. The beeping finally stopped but I still have no clue what caused it.

People matters can be a whole different issue. I love human nature and how personalities click or clash is intriguing. People mess up. That’s just a fact of life. People hurt your feelings and you have to forgive and forget. Some have an easier time with that than others. Someone recently told me about a situation where they were at fault and it caused issues in a relationship. They told me they just could not fix it. I said, “Have you apologized” The answer was yes. I then asked, “Have you prayed about it” People don’t always think to pray about situations. The fact is, God can work in the hearts of all involved. Sometimes you’ve got to swallow your pride and admit you did something wrong. Sometimes people look at the same thing from a completely different angles and can’t see eye to eye on something. Oftentimes we just have to let it go. Learn from the situation and move on. Live, learn, let it go and move forward.

Tonight at the Rice N Beans outreach in Rock Hill, Ron struck up a conversation with a man waiting at the bus top. I was standing there with them but I could not understand the conversation. The mam had good eye contact. Ron did sign just a little bit of what he said so I could follow a bit. The man has been through a lot. He was my own age. Ron was trying to encourage him. All the sudden I found myself speaking about God giving joy in the midst of hard things. Ron asked him if he knew Jesus and he said yes. As Ron talked with him, I said a silent prayer that God would open doors for this man.

Life happens. Things break and people mess up. Sometimes you can fix it, other times you can’t. In the midst of it all, God is working. You might ask how. God is always at work behind the scenes. In the most troubling times, He is at work in the hearts and circumstances. Keep praying and keep trusting God. We humans can really mess it up when we take things into our own hands. It’s wise to acknowledge Gods sovereignty and surrender to Him. He can bring beauty from ashes.

As my friend and I were preparing the food today, we also talked about our upcoming Bible lesson. This next lesson is on Elizabeth, John the Baptist mother. She and her husband Zacharias had prayed for years for a child, but they still had no children. They probably assumed that God had said “no”. In reality God was saying “wait”. His timing was perfect. It warmed my heart to be reminded that God hears my every prayer. When it seems He is saying no to my requests, it actually is yes to His best. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” ‭(NLT‬‬)

Do you have something in need of fixing? If you find you cant fix it, you can always prayer about it. God has ways of working things out. Give it to Him and trust Him to bring out the best. You are loved more than you will ever know. Be blessed.

f you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

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Astounding

January 15, 2024Leave a Comment

Ever had times when things left you awe stuck and amazed? Recently I finished reading through the book of Genesis in the Bible. I’ve read this many time but this time the story of Josephs life hit me differently. It’s one thing to hear teaching on a few verses at a time, and a whole different thing to read the story though and get a full picture. Not only that but God can give you new insight each time you read something. You can come away with something fresh.

The incredible magnitude of God’s faithfulness in each affliction Joseph faced in his life had me in tears. From being thrown into a cistern by his jealous brothers, to being sold as a slave by those same brothers, being thrown into prison unjustly, to rising to the second highest in Egypt…..God was steadfastly faithful in each and every affliction. As I read with tears rolling down my cheeks, I said, “God you are SO faithful”.

How many of us can say that we don’t complain in the hard times?Anybody? I know I can’t. I do try to always see God’s ways in whatever I’m enduring but many times I fall flat on my face in that regard. Each time Joseph put his faith in God, in the midst of his trial. Each time God faithfully provided Joseph with favor to endure, even thrive through it all. There are so many lessons we can learn from Joseph’s life.

Today as I wrapped up the book of Genesis, Joseph’s father Jacob died and Joseph’s brothers are afraid that Joseph’s anger will come out from being treated so wrongly so many years ago. From a human perspective, Joseph’s brother’s had it coming. But watch how Joseph responds to his brothers after their father’s death. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wow! Such amazing grace and forgiveness!

The grace and integrity Joseph showed throughout his life is something we should strive for. To develop the ability to trust God in the “land of affliction”. May we trust the sovereignty of God and trust He is working it out according to His purposes.

Sometimes the trials, afflictions or tests last a long time. May we learn to be fruitful for the glory of God through it all. May we learn to say “Yes Lord I’m going to praise you through this storm.” The song Yes I Will just came to mind. I will see if I can attach a music video at the end of this blog.

Praise God through it all! Learn to forgive those that hurt you. You might need to even forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. Confess, repent and then let it go. God is faithful through it all.

You may come to a point where you need to forgive God. I’ve known people who have been angry with the Lord for having to endure hardship and health situations. People get hung up on “Why am I going through this? Why am I STILL here Lord?” Still in the cistern. Still in the prison. You get the idea? God uses those things to mold us. Malachi 3:3 says, “He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.”
‭ ‭(NLT‬‬). Even Job says the following after his many hard trials, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Trust God. Trust His sovereignty Read His Word and learn His character. You are so greatly loved. Here are some more verses to learn from. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

I could go on and on here but I’ve done enough writing and sharing for the day. Learning from Josephs life has blessed me and I pray the lessons I’ve shared in this blog bless you as well. If you or a loved one are facing a hard time, Hang in there. God is not finished with you yet. He is doing a new thing. He can make a way where there isn’t one. Trust Him. Trust His process. ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NIV‬);. Let’s trust Him.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

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GREATness

January 11, 20243 Comments

You most likely won’t guess the subject of this blog from the title. I won’t keep you in suspense. An old friend of mine that I used to work with calls all her great-nieces and great-nephews , Greatness #1, Greatness #2 and so on. I love her idea and want to use it as well. Wednesday night Greatness #3 was born in our family. I couldn’t be more excited.

Are you wondering why in the world I’m doing such a “happy dance” over here? Here’s the thing, I absolutely love seeing my brother’s family grow! You see, almost four years ago he was diagnosed with acute leukemia and there was so much uncertainty for the future. Although we trusted and continue to trust our Great God who holds our futures.

Today my brother is three and a half years post bone marrow transplant. He and his family went through such an ordeal and he is now thriving! This makes my heart so happy! Not only that , but he got to walk his daughter down the aisle a couple of years ago and he and his wife now have three grandchildren. What a beautiful miracle and to watch it all unfold. I thank God for these beautiful blessings to witness.

If you, your family or someone you know are going through a difficult time, please don’t lose hope. Put your faith and hope in Jesus. He has proven over and over in my life and my family that He is our “Anchor“ that holds us steady in the storms of life. Be blessed and keep trusting Jesus. Keep holding on.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

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Crossover in sight

December 28, 2023December 28, 2023Leave a Comment

Many of my blog cover pictures from this year.

Just a few more days and 2023 will be behind us. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a fresh new year. At the beginning of 2023 God dropped the word “soar” in my heart. At the time I had no clue why. Honestly, I’m still not quite sure. The year did seem to SOAR by. It seems like it just started and here we are near 2024.

2023 was a year of growth. God has worked with me on overcoming some fears. I will get to that in a minute. Getting feedback from my husband Ron, I evidently have grown in the area of peace. There is peace in my heart even though life is full of uncertainties. At the end of the day, I am confident in who holds my future and I can say 100% that God is faithful and so so GOOD!

About overcoming some fears, I’m learning more and more that I can trust God with everything. Everything can range from family health issues, fear of inadequacies, frustrations with our culture and how to live a life of humility. The list goes on. I’d like to share two key things I learned this year. There’s a big third but some things involve others and I respect their desire for confidentiality.

Late in the Spring, Ron bought us two “sit on top” kayaks. This was such a surprise that he agreed to buy us two. He is not yet a “Kayak lover” but I have hope. We are only about five or six miles from the nearby lake. Since we used to have a SeaDoo, I’m familiar with the water and area. I feel comfortable as I sort of know my way around.

Truth be told, there is an adventure element because my vision is 20/400. Yes you read that right. BUT I can see enough to do it and I love the water. Respecting the challenges, dangers, my limitations, the unknown and being willing to learn is all part of it. I started out on a two seater kayak but I wanted to be free. Being on a one seater with my limitations is pressing it, but God has given me a sound mind to approach the adventure with sound judgement.

I finally got Joshua, our 25 year old son to go with me. He thought he was going to wear me out, but he was in for a surprise, as my endurance gave him a “run for his money”. He also has a vision problem, however his is not nearly as bad as mine. I let him decide on our destination. He remembered an island way out in the lake, back from when we used to SeaDoo. So we set off. We didn’t know how far it was. All we knew was the general direction. We paddled and paddled for quite a while. Getting a bit tired, I finally told him if we didn’t see the island or reach it within 30 minutes, we would turn around. 30 minutes later we had almost reached the island. Talking about a huge accomplishment. We got out of the kayaks at the island and swam around for a bit and rested. Then we had to paddle all the way back. What an adventure! Perseverance , courage, stamina and sheer will to finish what we started. We made a goal and reached it!

The next big challenge to overcome came about in August. My Bible study group had decided to break over the summer and pick back up in September. Our leader got involved in a small group at her church and told us we could go ahead. I was totally stunned when the girls asked me to lead. I agreeded to try but inside I was like, “Lord are you kidding me? I can’t see the book. How in the world am I supposed to do this?” Truth be told I still feel that way. I know my limitations and God knows His power to work in them. I gave in and let Him have His way. I can’t but God can. I oftentimes feel so inadequate. There is a saying, God does not call the quipped, He equips the called. Wow. Boy am I a testament to that. I’m not saying I’m called, but I have definitely made my inadequate self available. We are going to pick back up in January. I can’t wait to see what God has in store.

The third thing I mentioned which I can’t fully disclose but I can share vaguely. It’s been the latter part of the year. Some experiences we had never faced. God has taught me to trust Him more. He has impressed upon me humility. Putting others before myself even if it costs me. Listening even though it wears me slap out with not hearing very well with my cochlear implant processor. That’s something I hope to get right in 2024. 2023 was not a good hearing year, probably due to menopause and hormonal changes. Who knows. I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve learned to say, God this is all I have, help me to make it be all it needs to be. I can’t hear but I can listen and I’ve done a whole lot of that this year. Listen to others needs and pray, pray and pray some more. God has taught me to speak wisdom over situations and trust Him. So it’s definitely been a year of growth, which has soared in some ways.

Im thankful that God still allows me to put into writing the many things He continues to teach me. I have continued to blog each week during this year. Ron got me a real keyboard that magnetically attaches to my iPad. It makes blogging so much easier to be able to “feel” the keys as I type. Me and touch screens don’t get along. To date there have been 5,210 views. Here are my end of the year stats for blogging. This is post #60 for this year. That’s 40.9K words this year, averaging around 693.4 words per post, reaching countries round the world but mostly in the USA. This is no reason for pride but simple gratitude. I could not do it without God. I wouldn’t even want to try.

God has not yet given me a word for 2024. I’m not sure if He will. I do know I will continue to strive to be empty so He can fill and use me in whatever way He desires. As we bring 2023 to a close I can say it is well with my soul. I will wrap this up with Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (NLT‬‬)

At this point in life if a song could show my testimony I would choose It is well by Bethel Music. I will attach the YouTube music video with lyrics below. Be blessed and Happy New Year. May you experience the love of Jesus like never before.

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He sees me!

September 18, 2023Leave a Comment

When you dig deep, revelations come to light. Some people read the Bible on a “surface level”. You know just read a few verses and give yourself a check mark for the day. One check off on my to do list. God wants us to go deeper. He wants to bring things to light as we study. When I read the Bible I invite the Holy Spirit into my quiet time. I invite Him to bring things to light that are hidden. I invite Him to change me for His glory.

My Bible study group has started up again, studying women of the Bible. Lately I have been studying the account of Hagar in Genesis 16. What a fitting place to start. The girls have asked me to teach this go round. It is through Hagar that God reveals Himself as “The God who sees.”

God sure has a sense of humor. If you only knew the inadequacy that I feel in accepting this role. My hearing loss is not an issue since others in the group are deaf and one is hearing. However with my low vision I can not see the book without my video magnifier. Okay Lord you are going to have to really help me! (And that is such an understatement). This is just a little “scratch on the surface”.

As I began the study, I had my iPad out to take notes, iPhone out to use YouVersion for scripture reading and the study book itself. I put it all under the video magnifier except my iPad. (which is always zoomed large.) I figured I could use the notes to teach. As it turned out, I felt led to simplify the notes to also share with the group. In all honesty it is a time consuming process but when one friend said it helped her to understand better, it made it worth all the effort. When somone is deaf at a young age, it affects their language skills. This is going to be a team effort. Where I lack good vision, they see well. Where they may lack fluent English skills, I can help there. My friend Tami said she would be my eyes. So this week we will go over our first chapter on Hagar.

Speaking of Hagar, what an ironic place to start. Let me briefly sum up Genesis 16 if you’re not familiar with the story. God reveals Himself to Abraham and tells him to leave his place of birth for an unknown land God would give him (Canaan). Once Abraham and Sarah reached the land, there was a severe famine so they lived temporarily in Egypt. Abraham asked Sarah to tell the Egyptians she was his sister because she was very beautiful. Using this deception shows Abraham did not fully trust God with their protection in Egypt. Sarah was brought to Pharaoh and he gave Abraham servants and animals. This is how they gotHagar, Sarah’s servant. God sent a plague on pharaoh because of Sarah, so he sent them away. They returned to Canaan and settled there. God had made a promise to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations yet Abraham and Sarah had no children and were very very old. Sarah came up with a plan to “help God out” by taking Hagar and giving her to Abraham as a wife so she could have children for her. This was not God idea but a shortcut to the goal. God doesn’t want our help. He wants our obedience. Hagar conceived then despises Sarah, who then blames Abraham for the problems with Hagar. Sarah mistreats Hagar and she flees to the wilderness. There the Angel of the Lord finds her and reveals Himself to her. God reveals Himself as El Roi, the God who sees.

That was the shortest version of Genesis 16 I could share. Please refer to the scripture if you aren’t familiar with the story.

One of the key lessons I learned from Hagar is “God sees me”. He sees me when I hurt. He sees me when I fall short. He sees when my attitude isn’t right. He sees the good, the bad and the ugly, yet He loves me.

Recently I came Isaiah‬ ‭48‬:‭10 that says, “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”(NKJV) Yeah Lord I surely know. In all honesty I do find myself wondering, “God do you see all this? There are many afflictions in life that not only touch me but also my family. Like Hagar I find myself crying out to God. Yet I know God is sovereign. He is in complete control. I can fully trust Him. He is with us regardless of what we go through. We are never alone. There is scripture in Isaiah that touches me deeply. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬ ‭(NKJV)

I find this to be very encouraging. I know I’m not alone. There are many going through hard difficulties right now. God sees us. I don’t know the whys. All I know is to trust Him and live in obedience for His glory. When He opens a door, even if you don’t feel adequate, step forward! He will meet you there. So this week I’m going to be obedient and lesd Bible study. Well honestly, I’m going to be a willing empty vessel for Him to fill and pour into others. God is doing a deep work in my heart. It’s hard and humbling but I’m grateful. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

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Transplant birthday #3

August 27, 20232 Comments

Me and my brother Forrest several years ago.

I can’t let this weekend end without giving a BIG shout of PRAISE to the LORD! Yesterday 8/26/23 marked my brother Forrest bone marrow transplant birthday #3! Thank you God for this walking miracle! He is a true testimony that God can bring you through the darkest time. It was a tough experience that I can’t begin to even fathom BUT GOD brought him through. Hallelujah! He and family cling to Psalms 91. Today he is doing well and encouraging others going through this same ordeal. He shines the light of the Lord in the darkness of their trials, bringing hope. We are so proud of him and thank God for bringing him through!

Excuse me while I have a praise session…..🙌🙌I will sing of ..all you’ve done, I’ll remember how far you carried me. From the beginning …til the end…. You are faithful, faithful til the end🙌 Thank you Lord for answered prayers!