Dear Lord My Father in Heaven,

I bow before you this morning as I begin my day, asking you to walk with me in every step I take to assist in every decision I make.

I am tired, body and mind! I feel like a marble, and that’s ok, as I have been on a dead run for a few weeks now. Lord, please help me to find the rest I seek today. 😌

Yes, Lord, help us, your children, to find rest within you: peace, quietness, and strength from your spirit, word, and promises.

Knowing that you are always with us, whether we are strolling through the yard, walking along the shoreline of the beach, or stuck in the car on the freeway during rush hour! We can enjoy the warmth of your sunshine and the beauty of your glorious nature everywhere.

Please help us take the time to not only notice the flowers along our paths but also to stop and breathe in their floral scent, recognizing the smells, sights, and gentle touches of heaven down here!

Lord, there are always going to be piles of work that need to be done; deadlines, schedules, appointments, and errands.

Would you help us to discern? Would you help us to prioritize? Would you help us to relax?

You’ve blessed us with beauty all around, but it’s up to us to pause, reflect and enjoy! Help us to do just that!

In your name Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen ☺️

When Jesus was sentenced and sent to the cross, two criminals were also doomed to the same fate. Death!

Luke 23:32 NIV: “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.”

Luke 23:39-43 NIV: “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Hanging on each side of Jesus are actual representations of humanity!

First, we see a depiction of a man in his selfish form! The people who never take accountability for their actions! The blame everyone else: groupies! The individuals that hurl their anger on God and expect the get-out-of-jail card for free! To be rescued from consequences without any effort on their part!

But we find on the other side of Jesus a man in the same precarious position, for the same reason, some form of criminal act. Charged guilty and sentenced to death, however, this man takes full responsibility for his actions! He fears (respects) the majesty of the Lord in his spirit and confesses with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and humbly asks to go with Jesus where he’s going! Done!

What did Jesus tell him? Today you will be with me in paradise!

Jesus, didn’t tell him to jump through a series of hoops! He didn’t tell him he hadn’t served enough throughout his life! He didn’t tell him he hadn’t carried the load of guilt around his neck long enough! He didn’t tell him he didn’t have enough money! He didn’t tell him, too bad, so sad!

No, he forgave him, spiritually reached out his hand, and held it as he passed into eternity! The same way he will hold ours!

Which man do you represent? At any given time, we’ve probably represented both, but which character did you keep?

There is no weight you bear nor cross so big that you can’t look toward Jesus, reach out your hand, and ask for forgiveness.

He is always there and It’s Never Too Late! 😌

There is so much to be said about the Apostle Paul, and I would never consider myself knowledgeable enough to tackle that task, but I read something this morning that I wish to share.

First, Paul was born and known as Saul of Tarsus, his given Hebrew name. Saul’s father was a Roman Citizen so Saul inherited dual citizenship and the Latin translation for Saul is Paul. Saul was a very learned and respected man among the Hebrews: being steeped in Jewish history, laws, and traditions. He was a zealous ringleader in the revolts and deaths against the disciples and followers of ‘The Way.’

Paul’s incessant goal was to wipe out all that Jesus had begun!

God, on the other hand, had other ideas for Saul! We read an account in the Book of Acts as Saul was traveling to Damascus he encountered God and had an eye-opening experience that forever changed his life. He met Jesus! (after resurrection) Acts 9:1-19, Acts 22:6-21 and Acts 26:12-18

Of the 27 books in the New Testament; Paul is attributed traditionally for 13 of those books and seven of those are accepted as being entirely authentic and dictated by Paul himself. (Brittania.com)

Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.

Here’s where I am going with Paul this morning! His ministry spans from what I can find from about 14~20 years, in which he wrote the 13 letters to the churches that we read today! His account, His teachings, His walk!

Upon his conversion and acceptance of our Lord Jesus Christ, we read of a man who dedicates his life to spreading the good news! He faces trials, beatings, hunger, imprisonment, riots, persecution, and many near-death experiences. Yet we read:

Galatians 2:20 NLT: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 4:13 NLT: “For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:12 NLT: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”

Philippians 4:19 NLT: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

It sounds like upon accepting Christ, Paul had it all figured out; his change was instantaneous, miraculous, and easy! Wrong, nothing about Paul’s conversion or life after Christ was easy. He made it seem that way, but his teachings and instructions were learned over the next 20-some years of his ministry and walk with Jesus.

Please catch that last phrase; his ministry spanned 20 years! Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t getting it right, have fallen, have strayed, can’t seem to get up, are afraid because the path looks dark and scary, or you’ve let the Lord down again!

Get up, Look up, and begin again! Find Comfort in knowing Paul had retries, trials, and do-overs, and so do we! Be blessed that by trusting as we walk, we, too, will learn as we grow! 😉❤️

I was blessed by an all inclusive trip to Mexico last week by youngest son and daughter in law. Our suite had a balcony with a partial ocean view that sent glimmers of sparkling diamonds up toward the beautiful azure sky. ☀️

The weather was perfect, and I enjoyed my morning coffee, devotions, and prayer time parked at our beach table, enjoying new and different sights, smells, and sounds. 🏝

Due to traveling and luggage weight, I had to downsize reading materials, so I grabbed a few small paperback devos and my Bible. As I sat one morning reading “Face to Face with Jesus” by Randy Alcorn, I read Bethlehem~means ‘House of Bread.’

Oh, an aha moment! Jesus was born in Bethlehem! Jesus is Our Bread of Life! 💡

John 6:35 ESV: “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

John 6:51 ESV: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (The flesh is Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us!)”

John 6:33 ESV: “For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

John 1:14 ESV: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Dear Lord Our Father in Heaven,

Thank you for feeding us! You feed us with your word, nourishing our souls, minds, and bodies. Lord Jesus, you are the bread that sustains. Your word tells us you clothe the lilies in the fields and feed the birds of the air; how much more do we mean to you as your chosen children? Thank you, Lord, for always being there, always providing, and always protecting.

I give you my hand Lord Jesus; I give you my heart! I walk in peace knowing I walk with you! In your name, I pray with humble thanksgiving. Amen 😌

May your day be full and blessed! ❤️

In our lifetime, we will possibly live in many different dwellings. Each time we move our belongings into said dwellings, it instantly becomes home.

Our frail earthly bodies, shells, and the home we carry our spirits within. Our days are numbered, and our time here on Earth has a season.

My mother-in-law’s season has gently ended, and even though I grieve the loss of the woman I’ve shared my world with for the past 24 years, I rejoice!

Philippians 3:20-21 ESV: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject all things to himself.”

John 14:2 ESV: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go prepare a place for you?”

1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV: “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

I love that last line; “nor the heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

And love him, she certainly did! My mother-in-law walked her life bearing much pain and loss, but she believed in the Lord and his word! Trusting that often we won’t understand the what and why on this side of the cross!

Well, she’s on the other side now and has met Jesus face-to-face and has received a big hug from him. She’s looked into his loving eyes as he welcomed her home! She is surrounded by loved ones who blazed the trail before her!

My mother-in-law was very social and loved to laugh, so I know she’s up there laughing and talking and loving! She is home!

Mrs. Ritter, We always shared our faith, walking the same path. So, I know one day, my season will end, and I, too, shall awaken to the beautiful glory of heaven and there you’ll be! ☺️

I dedicate this devotion with love to Barbara J. Drake Ritter. (3/21/2024) 😔

Dear Lord Jesus,

It’s very, very early on this Monday morning. A hoot owl is cooing outside my window, and the world feels fast asleep.

What an incredible thought that within the blanket of the darkest hours of the morning, we are not alone, but you are right beside us, sipping coffee and listening to the morning song of the neighborhood crooner!

Thank you, Lord, that no matter what time of the day or night it is, you are always with us!

Thank you, Lord, for starting this new week with us! Please help us to be aware of you and your prompting, leading, and discernment. Lord, help us to be mindful of our surroundings and those around us.

Please give us the strength we need, taking one task at a time. Help us to find a balance, Lord. Sometimes, we must slow down and regain balance in this hectic world.

If this week brings new challenges, give us the fortitude to tackle them with grace and ease. If we are to step out of our comfort zones help us to remember we never walk alone, you are with us always guiding us.

If the week holds fear, give us the boldness to march to your throne, putting on your armor, gearing up for battle with you, Jehovah Nissi, our banner flying high before us!

On a personal note, Lord, I fly out of the country this morning for a vacation. I humbly ask for your protection on every step of my journey and for bringing me home safe and sound. Thank you for this opportunity.

Whatever we face this week help us to remember we never face it alone. In you we trust, in your name Lord Jesus we pray. Amen 😌

A thick, cozy blanket that wraps around you, providing the feeling of safety and warmth.

A trusted confidant in whom you can pour out your heart, and they treat it with gentle respect and love.

The Holy Spirit, Our Heavenly Comforter!

John 14:26 ASV: “But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.”

Psalm 119:76 ESV: “Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.”

If you spend any time here in Sunshine, you are probably aware that I, for the most part, wake up in the wee dark hours of the morning while night still claims the sky. I usually wake up wet from night sweats, and the first movement causes cold chills.

No, No, No, not again!

The brain instantly kicks into gear, and the battle of the mind begins! How do I battle these morning terrors? The same way I battle the cold chills. I wrap myself in my comforter!

I usually go to the restroom, then hurry back to bed, blankets all smoothed and rearranged, pillows fluffed, snuggling down within; I turn to the Holy Spirit!

I talk to him and ask for quiet rest to enter my spirit. I ask Jesus if I could snuggle on his lap and if he would wrap his arms around me holding me tight. I am afraid of the dark, so I ask for light within. I ask for my frantic thoughts to be replaced by his words of wisdom and peace.

I settle my mind and spirit within the comfort of the Holy Spirit and my body within a fluffy blanket; I can often reclaim sleep but, most times, rest in repose.

Exodus 33:14 ESV: “And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

I hope the next time you awaken in the dark, and it feels cold, you’ll think of these words and wrap yourself in your favorite blanket and The Holy Spirit!

Be blessed today! 😌

Dear Lord Our Father In Heaven,

I sit this morning at the foot of your throne with thanksgiving for the honor through my Lord Jesus Christ to even enter your throne room, much less sit at your feet!

I feel a need to pray this morning, and Holy Spirit, I ask you to please guide my words.

I lift to you and hold in my heart the families who have been struck by death as of late. Lord, wrap your loving arms around them and keep them as they cry the devastating tears of loss. Please hold them close as they learn to navigate the new tomorrows they will face.

I place at your feet, Lord Jesus, those who fight the daily fight with illness and disease that is attacking their bodies constantly. I pray for healing, relief, and strength for those who fight their ailments and the mental challenge of staying positive within an often painful and frustrating negative.

I ask for your wisdom and direction for those preparing to embark on a change in location and lifestyle. Thank you for clarifying your path in which they will find much peace, joy, rest, and laughter.

Our Lord of light, I humbly ask for your radiance to shine upon and within those lost in a pit of darkness. The dark hole of depression and despair. Light a path of hope for them to see and draw toward, rescue the lost Lord Jesus, Our Shepherd!

The mad and the unforgiving! I hold their cold hearts up to you, Lord! Please help them to see that they have locked themselves in a dank prison of anger. To forgive is but a release of the cold chains that bind!

I hold within my heart a tender place for the lonely! You never meant for us to be alone, you designed us to cohabitate, your word tells us two are stronger than one. So, I ask with all sincerity that you bring friends, partners, and loves into the hearts and lives of those waiting upon you for that someone special.

Needs, Lord, I ask for your generous provision covering our needs, whether great or small. Faith, Lord, help our mustard seed-sized faith grow to the heights of the tallest trees. Thank you for the strength we receive by studying and applying your word to our lives.

Thank you for always knowing what’s best for us and acting accordingly. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayers, but thank you more for the unanswered ones!

Thank you, Lord, for being with us on this day! Help us live today and worry about tomorrow; well, tomorrow! In your glorious, beautiful name, I pray. Amen 😌

Psalm 23:1-3 NLT: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

Do you ever feel like you would like to run away for a while? To just drop what you are doing, carrying, or battling and walk off! I do!

Would you like to join Jesus and me for a picnic?

The day is warm, and there is just enough breeze to bring refreshment. The green grass gently sways in the meadow. Leaves do a little dance within the branches of their dance floor. Colorful wildflowers dot the landscape, and butterflies swirl and dip against the afternoon sky.

The sun looks like a big slab of butter shining its rays of yellow hues down as tho kissing the ground on the cheek. As promised, there is a stream of clear sparkling blue water flowing by, giggling and laughing as its bubbles tumble over rocks, pebbles, leaves, and moss.

I hope you can feel the warmth, inhale the glorious smells of nature, and slow down long enough to appreciate all God has placed around you.

Spread the red and white tablecloth and unpack your picnic basket of cares and woes. Kick off your shoes, put on your sunglasses, look up, and say, ‘Hello Jesus, care to join me?’ His response is always, Yes, I’d love to.”

Let the picnic begin! Sit, gather your thoughts, take a few deep breaths, and let your mind relax and wander within this setting.

I have discovered that by seeking quiet time with the Lord, my strength is renewed. By including him in daily decisions, he promises to guide us along the path he has designed for you and me, which will bring glory to his name!

Any path that brings glory to his name is the path I want to be on! Give that some thought! If it brings glory, it’s going to be glorious!

Psalm 119:105 ESV: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalm 15:11 ESV: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Take our picnic and tuck it away in your basket for any other day when you need to get away! ☀️❤️😎 Be blessed!

God is always one step ahead of us!

He walks before us, clearing a way for you and me.

When we encounter hardships, he is already aware of the situation and is waiting in the wings for us to put our hands in his, to trust him, and to walk forward in faith boldly.

We must become sure and secure that the Lord is always with us. If he brings you to it, he will bring you through it.

Psalm 32:8 ESV: “I will instruct and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Psalm 37:23 ESV: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord when he delights in his way,” ❤️

James 1:5-6 ESV: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”

Psalm 91:15 ESV: “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”

Proverbs 3:5 ESV: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Luke 18:27 ESV: “But he said, ‘what is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Romans 8:28 ESV: “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together, for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

I love this line: ‘All things work together.’ Think about that for a minute! All things mean that the good and the bad combine to bring desired results. I picture a recipe where each ingredient is but a tiny particle of the entire amount, when all mixed, creates a delicious creation. We are God’s creation!

I know that life is one big roller coaster ride! To, One day, feel as though you’re on top of the world only to get hammered into the ground the next!

Learn to let go, and Let God! Learn to trust, relax, and rest! He’s got you! He’s got Us! He’s got this! He’s God!!!