About The Book
Motivation...Comfort...Inspiration
Quiet Time Reading...Strength For The Day
Quiet Time Reading...Strength For The Day
Psalm 16:7
I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel.
My heart instructs me "IN THE NIGHT SEASONS".
Quiet Time Reading...Strength For The Day
Quiet Time Reading...Strength For The Day
Quiet Time Reading...Strength For The Day
Need clear communication
inspired by The Holy Spirit...
to fit your personal situation...this day!
One Day At A Time
Quiet Time Reading...Strength For The Day
One Day At A Time
Pause...Step away...Find A Quiet Place...
Even in the midst of your storm.
thoughts to ponder
CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS
CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS
CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS
MORE GOOD THAN BAD
MORE GOOD THAN BAD. MORE HAPPY THAN SAD.
LESS TEARS MORE SMILES. AS TOGETHER WE TREAD THESE LAST MILES.
MORE LAUGHS THAN CRIES. JOY TEARS STILL FLOW FROM OUR EYES.
JUST A TOUCH, LOOK, OR NOD
STILL CONFIRMS OUR FAITH IN A “ MIGHTY GOD.”
YESTERDAYS EVENTS ARE MORE REAL
IN A MEMORY THAT NO LONGER REVEALS
WHAT WAS DONE AN HOUR OR A DAY AGO.
THOSE QUICK WITTED RESPONSES ARE NOW SOMETIMES SLOW.
BUT ALL PRAISES TO OUR GOD
THERE IS STILL
MORE GOOD THAN BAD.
MORE HAPPINESS THAN SAD.
LESS TEARS. MORE SMILES.
THANKING GOD WE’RE STILL TOGETHER
TREADING HAPPILY THESE LAST MILES.
“BUT I TRUST IN YOU O LORD,
I SAY,
YOU ARE MY GOD.
MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HANDS”
WELCOME SUNSHINE
CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS
CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS
GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE
FOR THE VIEW OF THE SUNSHINE
ANOTHER DAY WITHIN YOUR PLAN.
I REALIZE MY REACTIONS TO EVENTS OF THE DAY
HAVE BEEN PLACED IN MY HANDS.
YOU HAVE COVERED ME
WITH THE SHED BLOOD OF YOUR PRECIOUS “SON”.
I ACKNOWLEDGE
THAT IT SHINES AND RAINS
ON THE GOOD AND THE BAD...YES EVERYONE.
YOU ARE NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS
AS WRITTEN IN YOUR WORD.
INDIVIDUAL ACCEPTANCE IS REQUIRED
TO MAKE JESUS OUR LORD.
THANK YOU FOR EYES TO SEE
AND A MIND
TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF THIS WORLD
IN WHICH I LIVE.
ACCEPT THIS MORNING, ALL OF THE PRAISE, THANKS AND WORSHIP THAT TO YOU I FREELY GIVE.
STORMS
CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS
THE DARKEST HOUR
WHEN THE STORMS ARE RAGING ALL AROUND US.
WE ARE OFTEN AMAZED
THAT WE ARE NOT YET TOUCHED.
TREES FALLING, WIRES ARE DOWN, STREETS ARE FLOODED, THERE IS FEAR ALL AROUND.
IT IS THEN THAT WE SHOULD PLACE OUR ATTENTION NOT ON THE STORM
BUT ON THE ONE WHO IS IN CHARGE OF IT.
WHOSE, SKY, THUNDER, LIGHTENING,
WINDS AND CLIMATE CHANGES
ARE REALLY NO SURPRISE AND IN HIS TIME WILL QUIT.
JUST THINK OF OUR GOD WHOSE IS SOVEREIGN, MIGHTY, YET COMPASSIONATE AND LOVING TOO.
THE ONE
WHO EVEN THROUGH STORMS OF LIFE
WILL STRENGTHEN AND
KEEP US SAFELY
AS WE TRAVEL THROUGH.
SO WE CAN STILL BE AMAZED
WHEN STORMS ARE RAGING ALL AROUND US
AND WE ARE NOT TOUCHED.
IT’S THE ANGELS SENT AS PERSONAL GUARDIANS TO CHILDREN OF GOD,
FOR HE STILL LOVES US VERY MUCH.
THE DARKEST HOUR
DAILY AFFIRMATION
THE DARKEST HOUR
EVEN IN OUR DARKEST HOURS
GOD’S LIGHT IS STILL REFLECTED
IN OUR UNWAVERING, FAITH FILLED MIND.
HIS LOVE IS GREATER,
HIS STRENGTH AND GRACE,
A SUSTAINER ,
AS ON US,
NEW MERCIES EACH MORNING , HE SHINES.
HIS WORD CONTAINS A PROMISE
TO NEVER LEAVE OR FORSAKE.
EVEN THOUGH
DARK, CLOUDY, OCCLUDED SEEMS OUR PATH
HIS PROMISES...HE ...WILL NEVER BREAK.
LOOK UP...LOOK UP...THROUGH THE DARKNESS.
FOCUS ON THE LIGHT THAT STILL SHINES.
ALL SADNESS, APPREHENSION, SORROW, DEPRESSION OR GRIEF,
THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN EMPOWER US TO OVERCOME
WITH AN UNWAVERING, FAITH FILLED MIND!
LOOK UP...LOOK UP...THROUGH THE DARKNESS.
FOCUS ON GOD’S LIGHT THAT STILL SHINES.
ALL SADNESS, APPREHENSION, SORROW, DEPRESSION OR GRIEF,
THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN EMPOWER US TO OVERCOME.
WE WILL HAVE SURE RELIEF
WITH AN UNWAVERING, FAITH FILLED MIND!
FREE INDEED
DAILY AFFIRMATION
DAILY AFFIRMATION
SINCE GOD SET YOU FREE YOU ARE FREE INDEED.
WHETHER FROM A PAINFUL EXPERIENCE
OR ADVICE THAT YOU DID NOT HEED.
PEACE SWEPT GENTLY OVER YOUR MIND
AND THROUGH YOUR SOUL.
A REMINDER THAT YOU ARE A PROMISE RECIPIENT
SINCE YOUR NAME IS ON HIS ROLL.
YOU NO LONGER DWELL
ON DARK MEMORIES SATAN BRINGS TO MIND
BECAUSE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU AUTHORITY TO PLACE SATAN NOT FORWARD BUT BEHIND.
SO HE CAN NO LONGER
TAKE YOU PLACES
WHERE YOU HAVE NO DESIRE TO BE.
JUST DECLARE TO HIM AND YOURSELF
THAT YOU ARE DEAD TO HIM AND THE WORLD…
FOR BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS
YOU HAVE BEEN SET FREE!
NO MORE MOANING
AND LONGING FOR THINGS FROM THE PAST.
YOU ARE NOW STEADFAST, UNMOVABLE ,
PRESSING FORWARD IN THE KNOWLEDGE…
“ONLY WHAT IS DONE FOR CHRIST WILL LAST.”
YOUR NEW MANTRA….
”FREE...FREE...PRAISE GOD I AM FREE….
WITH UNWAVERING FAITH
AND TRUST IN GOD’S FUTURE FOR ME.” !
DAILY AFFIRMATION
DAILY AFFIRMATION
DAILY AFFIRMATION
CHANGES…
DAILY
AFFIRMATION
MY
DEAR
KIND
HEAVENLY
FATHER….
CHANGES COME
AND CHANGES GO
BUT YOU,
FATHER
ALLOW
STABILITY OF MIND TO STILL FLOW.
OH WHAT A WONDER
THE INNER PEACE
YOU ENHANCE.
DEPENDING ON YOUR
LOVE,
GRACE AND NEW MERCIES
I CAN MAINTAIN
MY POSITIVE STANCE.
MORE THOUGHTS & PRAYERS TO PONDER
DAILY PRAYER
DURING RECUPERATION
DURING RECUPERATION
A DAILY PRAYER DURING RECUPERATION
HEAVENLY FATHER,
PLEASE DO NOT LET ME TAKE FOR GRANTED
WHAT YOU, IN YOUR MERCY,
HAVE DONE FOR ME.
FOR I HAVE A POSITIVE HISTORY
OF MIRACULOUS HEALINGS
AND YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP ME DISEASE FREE.
THERE IS NO HABIT
THAT CANNOT BE RELEASED TO YOU
AS I’VE ALREADY CLAIMED YOU
AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR.
WHEN I ACCEPTED YOU INTO MY HEART,
YOU GAVE ME
YOUR HOLY SPIRIT TO
EMPOWER ME TO CHANGE MY BEHAVIOR.
HEAVENLY FATHER, PLEASE GIVE ME A DESIRE
TO READ, STUDY YOUR WORD
AND ON IT TO DEPEND.
FOR I WANT TO BE OBEDIENT
RIGHT THROUGH MY VERY END.
I’VE BEEN TOLD, SCRIPTURE SAYS,
DO NOT FORSAKE THE
ASSEMBLING OF YOUR SELVES TOGETHER.
THAT MEANS PRAYER AND PRAISE
IN GOD’S HOUSE
REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER.
HELP ME TO WANT TO
ATTEND TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
FROM SEVEN TO EIGHT, FOR JUST ONE HOUR.
TO REINFORCE AND INFORM ME OF THE
TOTAL AWESOMENESS OF YOUR POWER.
THEN AS I GROW
IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST,
HELP MY LEVEL OF COMMITMENT TO INCREASE
SO I WILL DESIRE TO BE BAPTIZED
AND EXPERIENCE COMPLETE PEACE.
NOT BECAUSE THOSE WHO LOVE ME
HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGING THIS EVENT…service.
DURING RECUPERATION
DURING RECUPERATION
DURING RECUPERATION
BUT BECAUSE FATHER,
YOU LOVE ME,
AND MY LOVE FOR YOU
CAUSED ME TO REPENT.
WITH THIS TRUE REPENTANCE
HELP ME TO WANT TO
READ AND LISTEN TO YOUR WORD
AND GET THIS NATURAL DESIRE
TO BE TOTALLY OBEDIENT, LORD.
HEAVENLY FATHER,
I DO NOT TAKE FOR GRANTED
WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE FOR ME.
PLEASE LET MY POSITIVE LIFE STYLE REFLECT
THAT YOUR WORD HAS SET ME FREE.
JUST LET THE WHISPER
OF THE NAME OF YOUR SON, JESUS
BRING FORTH YOUR POWER TO RESIST
ANY HABIT THAT DAMAGES MY HEALTH
OR IN FACT,
DAMAGES MY WITNESS.
EVEN DIRECT ME SOMETIMES
AS I SURF THROUGH CHANNELS
TO STOP TO LISTEN
TO TEACHERS AND PREACHERS…
TO PRAY WITH THEM, SING WITH THEM,
PRAISE WITH THEM,
TO FEED MY SOUL AS YOUR WORD TEACHES.
FATHER, WHILE I AM ALONE, YES, JUST ALONE
IN MY QUIET PLACE,
I WANT TO FEEL YOUR PRESENCE
CLOSE TO ME AS IN MY LIFE
I GIVE YOU, YOUR DESERVED SPACE.
******
II TIMOTHY 2:15 TLB
WORK HARD SO GOD CAN SAY TO YOU
WELL DONE. BE A GOOD WORKMAN. ONE THAT DOES NOT NEED TO BE ASHAMED WHEN GOD EXAMINES YOUR WORK. KNOW WHAT HIS WORD SAYS AND MEANS.
OVERCOMER
DURING RECUPERATION
USED TO BE ABLE
OVERCOMER
You are an overcomer
On God’s power and strength…
you thrive.
He’s given you peace , contentment
And a zeal to be
spiritually healthy and alive.
Although it has not always
Been easy for you
Your determination and God’s mercy
Just keep on pulling you through.
It’s so encouraging to others
That you continue to smile
As you press onward and upward
In God’s service...each mile.
Your Church Family and community
are truly, truly blessed
For your prayerful daily interceding
Even as you lie down to rest.
Many seeds have been planted and
Watered since you started this race.
Motivational and scriptural songs
come back to mind
that you taught us in this place.
God placed your feet on higher ground.
You’ve had a
purposeful walk with Him.
You’ve admonished us to
“Trust In The Lord”
As our dearest
and most faithful friend.
In more ways than we can mention
We appreciate you,
We celebrate you…today.
May God
continue to wrap you gently
In His
Peace
and Joy each day.
USED TO BE ABLE
FACTS OF LIFE / GRACE MERCY & PEACE
USED TO BE ABLE
(POST AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT)
“I USED TO BE ABLE TO”
( POST AUTO ACCIDENT)
TOO OFTEN I HEAR MYSELF SAYING,
“I USED TO BE ABLE TO”
AND “THERE WAS A TIME WHEN.”
THE BODY AND THE BRAIN OFTEN STRUGGLE TO
RETURN TO WHAT THEY ONCE HAD BEEN.
IF I COMMITTED TO DO SOMETHING,
NO DOUBT I DID JUST WHAT I SAID.
BUT NOW
GOOD INTENTIONS SOMETIMES RUN AMUCK
BECAUSE THAT GOOD INTENTION
SOMEHOW.. LEFT MY HEAD!
SO “WRITE YOURSELF A NOTE”
THAT’S CERTAINLY
WHAT SOME FOLK MIGHT SAY.
SO I WRITE MANY DETAILED NOTES
THEN UNTHINKINGLY
THROW THE PAPER AWAY!
AM I MURMURING OR COMPLAINING
AS SCRIPTURE CAUTIONS ME NOT TO DO?
NO! I’M JUST STATING SOME NEW FACTS
THAT I’M SURE DON’T APPLY TO YOU!
AM I SAD,
DEPRESSED,
DISCOURAGED
READY TO JUST CHECK IT ALL IN?
DON’T EVEN THINK IT.
I’M MORE DETERMINED NOW
THAN I HAVE EVER BEEN.
LIFE FOR ME IS GOOD,
I LOVE IT!!
I WOULD NOT THINK OF WASTING A MINUTE.
EVEN WITH “I USED TO”
AND “THERE WAS A TIME”
TEMPORARILY,
IN MY MIND, CREEPING IN IT.
I ADORE MY GOD
AND OUR RELATIONSHIP.
HE ALLOWS ME TO HAVE WITH HIM.
I’M THANKFUL
FOR LOVING FAMILY.
I’M GRATEFUL
FOR FAITHFUL FRIENDS.
I TREASURE THE GOOD MEMORIES.
THEY ARE EASIEST TO REMEMBER...AFTER ALL.
IF I’VE LOST SOME
THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU
I’D APPRECIATE...A REMINDER CALL!
******
FACTS OF LIFE / GRACE MERCY & PEACE
FACTS OF LIFE / GRACE MERCY & PEACE
FACTS OF LIFE / GRACE MERCY & PEACE
FACTS OF LIFE
I TRUST IN THE ALMIGHTY GOD
WHO KNOWS EVERY HAIR ON MY HEAD.
WHITE, BROWN, GREY OR BLACK
EVEN THE ONES TINGED WITH RED.
HE SEES THE “REAL ME” INSIDE.
THE “REAL ME” OUTSIDE
AND KNOWS WHAT I’M ALL ABOUT.
AND JUST KNOWING
THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD
IS CAUSE FOR
A HALLELUJAH ...SHOUT!
SO IF YOU’RE HAVING TROUBLE READING ME
AS I LIVE OUT THE PAGES OF LIFE’S BOOK.
DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH “MY MAKER”.
HE’LL HELP YOU
WITH A MORE COMPREHENSIVE LOOK.
IF YOU STILL THINK MY “WORK IN PROGRESS”
IS MUCH TOO NONPRODUCTIVE OR SLOW.
PRAY THE FATHER
TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS..
THEN STAND BACK AND CHEER ME ON
AS I GROW...GLOW...AND GO!!
******
PROVERBS 17:22 KJV
A MERRY HEART
DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE.
******
GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE
GRACE IS WHAT OUR HOLY GOD GIVES US
THAT WE AS SINFUL PEOPLE DO NOT DESERVE.
HE GIVES TO ALL… LIFE BREATH AND
DARKEST HOUR STRENGTH WITHOUT RESERVE.
MERCY IS WHEN GOD WITH HOLDS
THAT WHICH WE DO DESERVE…
THROUGH THE LORD’S MERCIES
“WE ARE NOT CONSUMED” SO SAYS HIS WORD.
EVEN AS WAYWARD CHILDREN GOD GIVES TIME
AND HELP FOR US TO TURN BACK TO HIM.
HE PATIENTLY WAITS
AS A KIND HEAVENLY FATHER,
PROTECTOR, SHEPHERD, GUIDE AND FRIEND.
PEACE IS WHAT GOD BRINGS TO HIS PEOPLE.
JESUS SAID “PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU,
MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU,
NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES DO I GIVE TO YOU.”
EVEN IN THE WORST OF TIMES
WE HAVE GOD CONTROLLED TRANQUILITY
AS HE GENTLY WALKS US THROUGH.
BECAUSE GOD REMAINS IN CONTROL
WE CAN BE ENCOURAGED,
MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS.
FOR THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES, IF WE ASK,
HE WILL GIVE US THE GRACE, MERCY, PEACE
THAT WE ALL NEED TO LIVE FOR HIM.
IMMEASURABLE IS GOD’S GRACE!
INEXHAUSTABLE IS GOD’S MERCY!
INEXPRESSABLE IS HIS PEACE
MORNING PRAYER OF THANKS
FACTS OF LIFE / GRACE MERCY & PEACE
FACTS OF LIFE / GRACE MERCY & PEACE
MORNING PRAYER OF THANKS
THANK YOU, FATHER, I’M LISTENING
TO YOUR WINDS...AS THEY THEY BLOW.
I THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORD
THAT SAYS, “BE STILL AND KNOW.”
THANK YOU, THAT I CAN GIVE
GLORY TO GOD WITH ALL OF MY HEART.
KNOWING YOU’RE A FORGIVER OF SIN
BEFORE MY DAY EVEN STARTS.
THANK YOU FOR GOING BEFORE ME
IN TIMES OF DISTRESS.
FOR A MIND SET THAT ACKNOWLEDGES
YOUR WAY IS ALWAYS BEST.
THANK YOU FATHER,
FOR A FEELING OF PREMONITION
TO FOLLOW UP PHYSICAL SIGNS.
THAT NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANGELS
THAT YOU SENT FOR MY PROTECTION
AND FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT
THAT GIVES MY
EVERY MOMENT DIRECTION.
THANK YOU, THAT WHEN
“MAN” IGNORES THE IMPORTANT
SIGNS MY BODY GIVES,
YOU DIRECTED ME
TO THOSE WITH EXPERTISE
IN PROPER DIAGNOSIS SO I CAN LIVE.
FOR SOME PHYSICIANS, FATHER,
ARE SELECTIVE IN WHOM
THEY CHOOSE TO RECOMMEND CARE.
THEIR MIND PRIORITIZES OTHERS
AS IF I’M INVISIBLE. NOT EVEN THERE!
THANK YOU, FATHER,
FOR YOU’VE ALWAYS BEEN IN CONTROL.
THEY CAN CHOOSE
TO NOT TREAT MY BODY
BUT THEY HAVE NO AUTHORITY
OVER MY SOUL.
THANK YOU, FATHER, AS ALWAYS,
MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS.
CONTINUE TO UNDERGIRD
WITH YOUR WORD
AS I LIVE OUT YOUR PREDESTINED PLAN.
THANK YOU FATHER, FOR MY SOUL MATE
WHO LOVES YOU FIRST AND THEN ME.
WE PLAN TO WALK EACH STEP TOGETHER
IN HUMBLE SUBMISSION TO THEE.
OH, I THANK YOU FATHER,
I GIVE GLORY AND PRAISE TO YOUR NAME.
FOR GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS..
YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN THE SAME!
AMEN...AMEN
******
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A Memorable Event
FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY RENEWAL OF THE VOWS
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY
WE WERE RECIPIENTS OF YOUR FAVOR ON THIS DAY, FATHER, ONE YEAR AGO.
OH HOW YOUR MAGNIFICENT BLESSINGS JUST FLOWED AND FLOWED AND FLOWED!
YOUR WORD TELLS ME THAT ALONG WITH OUR NEEDS YOU ALSO GRANT DESIRES.
AND OH, HOW GRATEFUL WE ARE FOR WHAT YOU ALLOWED TO TRANSPIRE.
THE MANIFESTATION OF THAT PROMISE
TO US YOU MADE COME TRUE
IN OUR CELEBRATION
OF FIFTY YEARS OF MARRIAGE…
THANK GOD, YOU BROUGHT US THROUGH!
AS MY MIND TRAVELS BACK TO OUR VOW
RENEWAL CELEBRATION THAT DAY
EMOTIONAL HIGHS NOTHING COMPARABLE. THE HAPPINESS FOR US YOU DISPLAYED.
OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
GATHERED FROM FAR AND NEAR.
THEY SHARED OUR SMILES, OUR JOYS,AND SOME EVEN SHARED OUR TEARS.
TEARS OF JOY AND THANKFULNESS TO A GOD EVER FAITHFUL AND TRUE.
HE’S THE JOY OF OUR SALVATION…
OH HEAVENLY FATHER...WE HONOR YOU!
I WAS ESCORTED TO THE CHURCH BY SONNY AND MINNIE WHO ASSISTED AT MIL’S
AND GOT ME TO CHURCH JUST A BIT LATE BUT THANKFULLY GOD KEPT ME IN A CALM STATE.
EACH SON AND THEIR SOUL MATE,
EACH GRANDCHILD’S TALENTS
YOU BLESSED THEM TO DISPLAY
IN A SERVICE THAT WAS BALANCED.
PRESENTED WAS MICHAEL AND FAMILY CHOIR’S SONG, AHEAD
“THERE’S A BRIGHTER DAY.”
THE “LOVE SCRIPTURE“ WAS READ BY
RANDALL... HOW TO LIVE GOD’S WAY...
WALKING TALL AND HANDSOME WERE GRANDSONS, AARON JEFFERSON AND NATHAN ANDERSON PROUDLY CARRYING OUR RINGS. JUST RECALLING THE EVENTS OF THIS SPECIAL DAY...OH THE JOY TO MY HEART IT BRINGS.
OUR SISTER MIL PRECEDED THE FLOWER GIRLS, RACHEL TARYN AND VICTORIA LYNN.
EACH WAS CLASSY, SMILING AND BEAUTIFUL BEFORE ALL OF OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
“TO GOD BE THE GLORY” SANG MELODIOUSLY BY AARON, OUR YOUNGEST SON,
EXPRESSED THE STORY
OF OUR LIVES WALKING TOGETHER AS ONE.
VANESSA JAY AND JOE ROLLED OUT THE CRASH BEFORE THE BRIDE.
I JUST SAVORED THIS GREAT MOMENT I COULD FEEL IT IN MY STRIDE…
INTO THE WAITING ARMS OF “MY JIMMY”
WHO GLOWINGLY AWAITED ME.
THE PLEASURE I SAW IN HIS EYES AS THEY TWINKLED MADE ME FEEL SO LIGHT AND FREE!
THE RENEWAL CEREMONY WAS
LOVINGLY AND PROFESSIONALLY DONE
BY OUR SISTER REV. MARIE AS SHE PRAYED THAT WE REMAIN AS ONE....
ONE IN THE SPIRIT, ONE IN THE LORD,
ON THIS EARTHLY JOURNEY
PREPARING FOR HEAVENLY REWARD.
WE EXCHANGED
THE RINGS OF FIFTY YEARS AGO.
THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
STILL SYMBOLIZED A CIRCLE OF LOVE
THAT JUST CONTINUED TO GROW AND GROW.
OUR PASTOR UNITED US
WITH HOLY COMMUNION SO SACRED
AFTER ACOLYTE IMANI
THE COMMUNION CANDLES...LIT.
WE, AS A RENEWED COUPLE
ON THE FRONT PEW DID SIT…
TO MEDITATE ON THE SOULFUL RENDITION OF THE “OUR FATHER” PRAYER BY MARIE.
WE WERE JUST BASKING IN THESE MOMENTS, OUR HEARTS ECSTATIC WITH GLEE.
WE WERE PRESENTED TO THE CONGREGATION WHO ROSE TO THEIR FEET,
AFTER WE SALUTED EACH OTHER WITH A KISS, OUR CEREMONY WAS COMPLETE.
MY NAMESAKE VICKI JANE DIRECTED TO A “T”
THE MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT WAS SUPERB BY OUR PROFESSIONAL TIMMY.
BOOTSIE DID HANDS ON PRE WORK AT HER HOME AND AT MINE. HER SPECIAL TOUCH ON THE PARTICULARS
MADE ALL TURN OUT JUST FINE.
SHE, MIL, CALLIE, MINNIE, GERRI, JESS & KATHY THE “SECRET OF MY GOWN” DID SHARE
IT WAS SUCH A BLESSING TO HAVE SO MANY FAMILY AND FOLK WHO CARED.
THE 1958 PARTY; ROY, PAUL, CHARLES,
MARGARET, MARGIE, MARJORIE;
DONNA MARIE, DAUGHTER GIRL, JOANN, KELLI, LORRAINE, DOT, TUDY,ALICE,
DONNA, AL AND OTHERS TO NAME JUST A FEW ALL PITCHED IN TO MAKE IT HAPPEN..
I AM ETERNALLY
GRATEFUL TO ALL YOU.
SEPT. 5, 1958...SEPT. 5, 2009
THE WORD OF GOD
Psalm 20:4 (msg)
"GIVE YOU WHAT YOUR HEART DESIRES, ACCOMPLISH YOUR PLANS"
COMFORT & ENCOURAGEMENT
JOY IN THE MORNING / FATHER FORGIVE
THANK YOU FOR THE DAWN / PRAYER OF SUBMISSION
THANK YOU FOR THE DAWN / PRAYER OF SUBMISSION
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING….
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING WHEN TRANSITION IS EXPECTED OR CREEPS UP WITHOUT WARNING.
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING FOR AS THE SUN RISES IN THE SKY, OUR ALL KNOWING FATHER
IS LOOKING UPON US WITH HIS EYES
OF COMFORT, HEALING, INNER PEACE
AND A PERFECTED , STABLE SOUND MIND.
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING
BECAUSE HIS WORD IS TRUE.
HE IS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER, SHEPHERD, GUIDE,
HE WILL HOLD YOU TO HIS LOVING BREAST.
AS YOU FEEL HIS PRESENCE YOU INTERNALIZE THAT HE WILL NEVER FORSAKE OR LEAVE YOU.
CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE HIS GRACE, HIS MERCIES,
HIS LOVE
AS YOU PRAISE THROUGH THESE TIMES OF GRIEF.
FOR TRULY,
JOY COMES IN THE MORNING
KNOWING OUR LOVED ONES WERE ONLY LOANED TO US
AND TRANSITION WILL COME
EXPECTED OR WITHOUT WARNING.
MATTHEW 10:30 TLB
AND THE VERY HAIRS ON YOUR HEAD
ARE ALL NUMBERED.
JOHN 10:27 TLB
MY SHEEP RECOGNIZE MY VOICE, AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME. I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH. NO ONE SHALL SNATCH THEM AWAY FROM ME FOR MY FATHER HAS GIVEN THEM TO ME, AND HE IS MORE POWERFUL THAN ANYONE ELSE, SO NO ONE CAN SNATCH THEM FROM ME.
THINK ABOUT IT...DOES
GOD KNOW YOU BY NAME?
*********************
FATHER, FORGIVE US
FATHER FORGIVE US
IF WE ALLOWED OUR
FEET TO TAKE US
WHERE WE SHOULD NOT BE.
IF WE ALLOWED
OUR EYES TO TAKE IN SCENES
THAT WE SHOULD NOT SEE,
IF WE ALLOWED OUR HANDS
TO FUNCTION OTHER THAN WITHIN YOUR WILL,
IF WE’VE GROWN LAZY AND INEFFECTIVE,
IF WE HAVE LOST OUR ZEAL.
IF WE ALLOWED OUR TONGUES TO SPEAK
UNGODLY WORDS HARMFUL TO OTHERS,
IF WE DID NOT INTRODUCE JESUS
TO OUR SISTERS AND OUR BROTHERS.
RENEW IN US
THE URGENCY TO PRAY,
TO STUDY, TO FAST.
AS WE DAILY SEEK YOUR FACE.
TO BE HUMBLE, GRATEFUL,
AND PRODUCTIVE
IN THE NICHE WHERE WE HAVE BEEN PLACED.
AMEN...AMEN
THANK YOU FOR THE DAWN / PRAYER OF SUBMISSION
THANK YOU FOR THE DAWN / PRAYER OF SUBMISSION
THANK YOU FOR THE DAWN / PRAYER OF SUBMISSION
AT THE DAWNING OF A NEW DAY,
HEAVENLY FATHER, I THANK YOU.
FOR THE BIRDS, THE TREES, FLOWERS, SEAS, SKIES, CLOUDS. THE VERY AIR THAT WE BREATHE.
THANK YOU FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS,
KINSHIP ON WHOM WE CAN DEPEND.
THANK YOU FOR A NEW MINDSET
THAT IS WILLING TO ACCEPT HELP WHEN NEEDED.
THAT NO LONGER IN TIMES OF TRIALS
CAN BE EASILY DEFEATED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SON
WHO WILLINGLY DIED ON THE CROSS.
PAVING THE WAY FOR SALVATION
SO NONE NEED TO BE LOST…
LOST IN A WORLD THAT SEEMS NOT TO CHOOSE RIGHT OVER WRONG.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORD THAT
TEACHES US HOW TO STAY STRONG.
THANK YOU FOR A SOUND MIND,
HEALTH AND SPIRITUAL STRENGTH.
THANK YOU FOR LOVE WITHOUT MEASURE,
NO WIDTH OR NO LENGTH.
THANK YOU FOR GIVING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE IN THE HEALTH FIELD.
AND FOR YOUR HEALING POWERS THAT YIELD
INNER PEACE, GRACE AND ABUNDANT MERCIES.
THANK YOU FATHER, FOR YOUR SUPPLY OF ALL OF OUR PRESENT NEEDS.
THANK YOU, FATHER...THANK YOU. AMEN
PRAYER OF SUBMISSION
IN QUIETNESS AND CONFIDENCE
SHALL BE YOUR STRENGTH. ISAIAH 13:5
THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER
FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP AND REST.
I SUBMIT THIS DAY TO YOU
ACKNOWLEDGING
THAT YOU KNOW WHAT IS BEST.
TO YOU, O HOLY FATHER,
MY LIFE IS AN OPEN BOOK.
THERE IS NO UNKNOWN FOR YOU.
YOUR SOVEREIGNTY
REQUIRES NO SECOND LOOK.
PLANS THAT ARE MADE
ON MY BEHALF BY MAN..
FOR MY WELL BEING.
DO NOT ALWAYS COME TO FRUITION.
I QUESTION NOT..IT’S MEANING.
I FORGE AHEAD, O FATHER BY FAITH.
ASSURED THAT MY LIFE IS
PERPETUALLY IN YOUR HAND.
MOLD MY WILL,
GRANT PERSEVERANCE,
REINFORCE INNER PEACE
AS I EXPERIENCE
THE UNFOLDING OF...
YOUR “MASTER PLAN.”
SELAH MOMENT...PAUSE...REFLECT
THANK YOU FOR THE DAWN / PRAYER OF SUBMISSION
SELAH MOMENT...PAUSE...REFLECT
SELAH MOMENT
THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER,
FOR THIS PRECIOUS SELAH MOMENT.
A TIME TO PAUSE
AND SILENCE MY THOUGHTS,
TO WORSHIP YOU AND PRAY…
CONCERNING BLESSINGS
THAT TO ME,
YOU BROUGHT.
TO INTERRUPT THE WEEK
FOR SPIRITUAL INVENTORY
AND CLEANSING.
TO ACCENTUATE THE JOY,
YES, THE PURE JOY
OF DAILY THANKSGIVING.
TO EXALT THE NAME
OF OUR GOD.
FOR ANSWERED PRAYER,
IN SPITE OF
SOME DISAPPOINTMENT.
ENDING THE DAY WITH
REFLECTION OF YOUR
FAITHFULNESS.
IN PRAYERFUL MEDITATION
AND WORSHIP.
AS YOU’VE SHOWN ME
IN SEMINARS, FELLOWSHIP
AND IN YOUR WORD,
THAT ANY BROKEN PIECES
CAN BE
MENDED AND REPLACED
SINCE I HAVE ACCEPTED YOU
AS MY LORD.
YES, THANK YOU,
HEAVENLY FATHER,
FOR THIS PRECIOUS
SELAH MOMENT
TO PAUSE FROM HECTIC SCHEDULES
REFRESHED BY SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT.
“BE STILL...AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!”
HOPE FROM THE WORD OF GOD
Blessed is the man that Trusteth
In the Lord,
And whose HOPE
The Lord is.
For he shall be
as a tree planted by the waters,
And that spreadeth out her roots
By the river, and shall not see
when heat cometh,
But her leaf shall be green;
And shall not be careful
the year of drought,
Neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
And not only so, but we
glory in tribulations also;
Knowing that
tribulation worketh patience:
And patience, experience;
And experience HOPE.
READ JEREMIAH 17:7-8
RELEASE AND RELIEF
JESUS...JESUS...JESUS
SELAH MOMENT...PAUSE...REFLECT
RELEASE AND RELIEF
SINCERE GRIEVING , AT TIMES, BRINGS RELEASE OF ANXIETIES, STRESS AND FEAR.
IT MAKES THEM LOSE THEIR STRONG HOLD OVER YOU AS YOU SHED, GOD DESIGNED TEARS.
LOVED ONES ARE ONLY LOANED TO US.
THEY ARE NOT HERE TO STAY.
AS THEIR WALK THROUGH LIFE GREW PAINFULLY DIFFICULT THEY WOULD DESIRE NO OTHER WAY.
OH YES, THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR GRACE GRANTED THROUGH THE YEARS.
EVEN WITH LIFE’S STRUGGLES
THERE WAS NO NEED TO FEAR.
BECAUSE OF RELATIONSHIP STATUS WITH A SAVIOR WHO IS FULL OF MERCY AND GRACE,
THEY ARE ABLE TO WITHDRAW FROM LOVED ONES AND THEY LONG “JUST TO BEHOLD HIS FACE.”
AT TIMES CONDITIONS BRING ON MOOD SWINGS, DEPRESSION, PERSONALITY CHANGES…
AS ORGANS SHUT DOWN AND PAIN MOVES IN, BREATHING AND LACK OF MOBILITY REARRANGES.
AS PRAYERS ASCEND FOR COMPLETE HEALING
EITHER ON EARTH OR WITH HIM…
THE HOLY SPIRIT SETS IN MOTION OUR RESPONSE TO THE SAVIOR AS OUR DEAREST FRIEND.
AS HE WRAPS HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND US, ROCKING US GENTLY AS WE ANTICIPATE THEIR END
HE GIVES US REASSURANCE, RELIEF AND RELEASE,
ALSO STRENGTH FOR THE DAY!
AND A SONG IN OUR SPIRIT FOR THE FUTURE…
”I KNOW THE LORD WILL MAKE A WAY”!
OUT OF LIFE’S DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT.
ACCEPT HIS WILL, TRUST AND OBEY, LIVING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL... WILL SUFFICE.
IN A WORLD OF SUCH CONFUSION, ONLY OUR MIGHTY, COMPASSIONATE GOD CAN BRING PEACE.
HE WILL TURN MOURNING INTO GLADNESS WITH HIS JOY THAT RELEASES US TO EXPERIENCE RELIEF.
*****Mourning steals, robs, throbs, kills our joy
until the feeling of numbness moves in
and we make it acceptable.
because we want our mantra to once more become, live, love and be happy!
But at this moment in time, immeasurable pleasures seem without flavor or color,
senseless and doldrum. Grieving parents, young and old must still press. Determined by faith to measure and strive towards a higher elevation.
Growing in grace while at the mercy seat..
Is faith unbound.
(SC ...used with permission)
JESUS...JESUS...JESUS
JESUS...JESUS...JESUS
JESUS...JESUS...JESUS
JESUS...JESUS...JESUS
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS...
IN HIS NAME THERE IS POWER.
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS...
HE IS WITH US EVERY HOUR.
ALOUD OR WITHIN OUR SPIRIT,
JUST CALLING ON HIS PRECIOUS NAME
PRODUCES A PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING
ALTHOUGH SOME THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
THE VOID MAY ALWAYS BE THERE BUT WITH HIS STRENGTH...YOU CAN COPE.
ALLOW YOUR HISTORY WITH HIM TO CONTINUE INCREASING YOUR FAITH AND HOPE…
FOR A FUTURE “KNOWN ONLY TO HIM”
CONTROLLED BY A GOD ON WHOM YOU DEPEND.
LONELINESS AND BROKEN HEARTS ARE MENDED,
THE FUTURE YOU CAN FACE WITHOUT FEAR.
AS YOU TRUST FULLY IN JESUS,
CALL ON HIM...
HE WILL BE FOREVER...NEAR.
****************************************
OUR DEAR KIND HEAVENLY FATHER
OUR DEAR KIND HEAVENLY FATHER
KNOWS US COMPLETELY.
IN SPITE OF THIS KNOWLEDGE
HE STILL LOVES US UNCEASINGLY.
WE CAN PLACE PAINFUL GRIEF
INTO HIS OPEN ARMS.
YOU SEE, OUR STRUGGLING,
MOANING, CRYING, EVEN SCREAMING
DOES NOT CAUSE HIM ALARM.
HE PROMISED US A COMFORTER
WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT.
HE SUMMONS PEACE AND CALM
WITH STRENGTH TO GO WITH IT.
OPEN YOUR HEART AND MIND’S EYE
TO ACCEPT THIS GIFT OF COMFORT IN LOVE.
LET IT SURROUND YOU TODAY WITH A QUIET STILLNESS
THAT ONLY COMES FROM ABOVE.
YES, OUR DEAR KIND HEAVENLY FATHER
WILL NEVER LET US DOWN.
HE NEVER WILL LEAVE OR FORSAKE US.
HE SUMMONS OUR SMILES TO REPLACE OUR FROWN.
KNOW THAT HE IS GOD.
HIS WORD TELLS US TO JUST KNOW AND “BE STILL”.
COMMITTING ALL TO OUR DEAR KIND HEAVENLY FATHER.
SUBMITTING TO HIS SOVEREIGN, DIVINE WILL.
THE THINGS
JESUS...JESUS...JESUS
JESUS...JESUS...JESUS
The things nobody tells you.
The things that you’ll go through.
The mounting stack of bills that quickly come due.
The tears that stream down out of the blue.
The days when it hurts to mention their name.
And the days you can’t stop saying it are both the same.
When a flood of emotions make it hard to maintain.
And you ask yourself, “Am I going insane?”
The struggle to celebrate milestones with others.
The birthdays, anniversaries, that for you
won’t reach those numbers.
The sadness you feel while happy for others.
You pray for excitement and a smile you can muster.
When the ache in year seven is like that in year one.
You scream to yourself, “Stop it! What’s done is done!”
You’ll keep moving forward, because life goes on.
But when you’ve loved deeply, gone is never gone.
The tears, after years, that still fall like new.
Emotional payments that suddenly come due.
The things nobody tells you.
The The things nobody tells you.
The things that you’ll go through.
Struggling to sing some songs with conviction,
the way that you used to.
Words that declare ‘God is a healer’,
don’t seem as clearly to ring
You open your mouth, but there is no sound.
Passing through lips that your hurting heart has bound.
While you ask yourself and God,
“Where was his healing found?
Could You not heal him on earth?
Why was he so soon heaven-bound?”
Your mind knows God is good, so you are at peace.
But it may take a while for your heart to release
And fully accept God’s will
and the truth of His word, at least.
And that He’s sovereign, faithful
and his love does not cease.
“God is a healer.” I can sing that again
As I lift up to Him my hurts, He heals, He mends
Giving beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and then
A garment of praise for my heaviness he sends.
Yes, joyfully sing songs the way that you used to
Declare that God is a healer, with conviction, in truth
It’s one of those things that nobody tells you
It’s one of those things that you can make it through.