Philippians 1:6 ESV “and I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

“Completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

This doesn’t mean a decade, years, months, or days before his arrival but the day “Of.” What this scripture is telling us is, Christ will continue to work within us, teach us, grow us, and mold us to be the creations he intended at the beginning of time until the end of time. (as we know it today)

We aren’t going to be perfect; we aren’t going to without sin; we aren’t going to be without fleshly emotions, desires, and temptations.

It also means we who proclaim to be Christians will be judged for every move we make, the moods we have, the trials we suffer, and every word we say.

We will never get it 100% right while we walk on tainted ground. The scripture tells us he will be working on us till the day of his arrival. I don’t know about you, but that is a relief. Don’t misunderstand; it isn’t a free ticket but simply Grace.

So, the next time you find yourself in a place of having to defend your walk with the Lord. Remind yourself he isn’t through with you yet, smile, and walk on! We’ve got this!!! Because He’s got us! Be blessed today, and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Does your brain sound like a radio that’s out of its stations signal wave? All you can hear is static! It’s hard to sit still, as though that static has reached every nerve frequency in your body.

Our minds and bodies are a highly constructed highway of veins, muscles, and nerves. Our brain is our command center. When situations arise in our lives, sending us into high alert, the brain neurons (information senders) send out volts of communication down and throughout our bodies. The shockwaves!

You’ve been there: news of a death, unfavorable doctors report, the loss of a job, a cut in hours at work resulting in a reduced amount in pay, you are in a bad relationship and don’t know what to do or possibly even where to go, you have a chronic illness, and there are some days the pain is more them you can bear or want to. Is it ever going to end?

Static, Static, Static…

Obviously, the first thing we should do is open our bibles, head to the concordance (alphabetical listing of words) in the back. Look up words about our situation, follow these words to the verses, and hear what God has to say! Obviously!!! If you are anything like me, when the neurons are overloading, reading is not an option…because I can’t sit still, nor can I focus.

Then what…well, if you are a house cleaner or exerciser when you are upset, put in your earbuds and go to Pandora, check out “Women of Faith radio” and “Hillsong Worship radio” these aren’t the typical, initial-love radio stations. The music is great and upbeat, rises the spirit off the floor or out of the car.

BUT, prayer is the first place to head, and you can take God with you wherever you are or go; he’s portable. Pray for peace, ask the Holy Spirit to rest in you, ask for his help and direction. You may not get an instant road sign but keep talking and asking, and one day, your crooked path will be straight again. Peace will once again reign.

Philippians 4:7 ESV “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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 path.”

Here’s a prayer for you today.

Dear Lord, I need your peace. I need your quiet in my head, heart, spirit and body. Maybe it isn’t time to hear; perhaps I am to rest in you amongst the chaos. Then, I rest in you and ask for your help in the resting. Holy Spirit, I invite you to restore order and balance back inside of me, that, that might bring balance back into my world.” In your name Lord Jesus we pray and believe. Amen.

It’s Sunday, a favored day. I hope you find rest, peace, and joy today. It’s a rainy day perfect for baking gingerbread and snuggling with a good book or a favorite movie. It’s the Lord’s day of rest. I pray you can. Be blessed and as always, thank you for joining me. 🥰

Opinions, everybody has one or two or three too many. The definition of opinions is; “a view, judgement or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.”

Let’s reread this line; a view, judgment or appraisal formed in the mind…

Who’s mind, your accuser’s mind that’s who! Just because someone has an opinion doesn’t make it true. Another definition of opinion is; “belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge.”

Stronger than impression!!! Less strong than positive knowledge!!!

So, now we have also learned an opinion is someone’s impression but that doesn’t make it positive knowledge. So, you shouldn’t let their words become fact in your head or heart either.

Satans biggest allies are the opinionated, and those who think they are so smart and their ways are the only ways. If you aren’t living by their standards, voting who they think you should vote for, eating what they feel is healthy, the list goes on and does. Feeling your personal feelings regardless of theirs does not make you wrong, and indeed, just as they believe they are right in their minds doesn’t make it so.

Satan and people close enough to hurt us emotionally know our soft spots, weaknesses, or insecurities and will use those against you because they know that’s the quickest way to cripple. People in my world know to use God against me because nothing trips me faster than thinking I have let him down.

Tricks and words, arrows meant to pierce and hurt, and they do. I can only offer this, take your hurts to the feet of Jesus; he’s already there with a tissue to dry your eyes and to remind you of this:

Proverbs 18:2 NLT “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their opinions.”

Matthew 7:1-2 NLT “Do not judge others and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard in which you will be judged.”

Romans 14:13 NLT “So, let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble.”

So, the next time someone has an opinion about you, your actions, behavior, or life choices, just remember it’s theirs and theirs only, and you only have to accept if you agree. Make it a blessed day, and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Are you discouraged right now? I am! Everyone understands the battles of life and the discouragement that often accompanies.

We cruise along pretty good, thinking things are ok and slam out of left field comes a trial or a setback. The scale went up again, but you are starving and didn’t eat anything more; how can this happen. The lazy slacker in the office just received the promotion you have been putting overtime in for! You once again come up lacking with your spouse and bear the brutal words that stab and scar. The judge awarded evil over right; where is the fairness? You get it; we all live it.

Remember John 10:10 ESV “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Satan wants you to believe his lies: you aren’t good enough, you will always be fat, you are a hypocrite, you aren’t smart enough, you will still lose, it’s never going to change. You know the words, he whispers in your ear, they are good and geared just for you. They will trip, destroy and leave you broken if you continue to listen.

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

Psalms 56:3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

I don’t know if you are under attack, just survived an attack or live with a chronic battle. If I can offer anything, it is to pray and bring your woes to the feet of Jesus. The situation might not change that instant but he will wrap you in his love and peace. Be blessed and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Today’s devotion is the beautiful words to my newest favorite song by Zach Williams. I have deleted the music’s repeated lines, but I so wanted to share the words of this incredible song; he duets with Dolly Parton; it’s a powerful message. I hope you will look up the music and listen to it!!!

Every time I try to make it on my own
Every time I try to stand, I start to fall
And all those lonely roads that I have traveled on
There was Jesus

When the life I built came crashing to the ground
When the friends I had were nowhere to be found
I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now
There was Jesus

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing, in the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been or where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it
Or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus

For this man who needs amazing kind of grace
For forgiveness and a price I couldn’t pay
I’m not perfect so I thank God every day
There was Jesus

On the mountains
In the valleys
There was Jesus
In the shadows
Of the alleys

There was Jesus
In the fire, in the flood
There was Jesus
Always is and always was,

I never walk alone

You’re always thereIn

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing, in the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been or where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it
Or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus…

There was JesusSource: LyricFindSongwriters: Casey Beathard / Jonathan Smith / Zach WilliamsThere Was Jesus lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

He is always with us, even when we don’t recognize or acknowledge. Be at peace today and everyday knowing…You Never Walk Alone!!!

Today we honor the men and women from the beginning of time who sacrificed their time and lives protecting you and me.

Psalms 144:1 ESV “Of David. Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”

Our society today rises up and proclaims to be anti-war! I’m not a warmonger, but where would we be right now without our histories mighty battles. Scream, carry signs, yell for peace, but you have the freedom to do so because of those who fought and laid down their lives for you!!! Don’t ever forget that!!!

Those little old men shuffling along in the parades, proudly wearing their uniforms, displaying medals and stars that tell of their once bravery. There was a day not long ago these little old gents were some mean lean fighting machines. They weren’t 90 and above in Germany, Italy or Japan. They weren’t 70 or 80 in Vietnam. They were young, trained and mighty warriors.

The nightmares still ravage these defenders of you and me, who shuffle and wear their veteran’s hats proudly atop their gray crowns. They deserve our love, respect, gratitude, help, and comfort in their later days. These men and women deserve a Heisman Mansion.

Psalms 71:9 NIV “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”

Job 12:12 NIV “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding.”

Leviticus 19:32 ESV “Show respect to old people; stand up in their presence. Show respect also to your God. I am the Lord.”

So, the next time you see one of our prestigious soldiers, whether of today or yesterday, offer them a smile, a salute, a nod of gratitude because where would we be without them. Thank you, Veterans, young and old; I am forever indebted to you! Be blessed today, and Thank you for spending a little time in Sunshine. ☀️❤️☺️

Whoever heard of a Schnauzberry? One of the most famous lines from the original Willie Wonka movie…

Jesus speaks of fruits, both good and bad. A Razzleberry sounds fun and delicious as opposed to, say, A Schnauzberry. The fruit Jesus is speaking of, though, is people’s characteristics.

Matthew 7:15-17 NLT “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.”

Bad fruits can spoil our fresh fruit, rot spreads and contaminates. You know these folks, they are negative, always quick to see the wrong in people or situations. They usually never have anything nice to say about anyone or anything. They are in a perpetual state of anger.

OR, these are the friends you hang with that always seem to get you into trouble. They never use sound judgment; they are reckless and never seem to get anywhere but stuck. We have bad fruit in those who make promises they never keep. Words are just that words with no truth or meaning behind them. And those who are around only for what they can get from you. All bad fruit!

Do we stay away from these people? Yes, and No, we as God’s children are instructed to pray for the lost. We are examples of the good fruits of the spirit. Remember, most people learn by example. I would suggest rethinking a friendship where you are always in trouble or being used. You need to distance but still continue to pray for them.

Galatians 5-22-23 NLT “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things.”

There will be days when we struggle to exhibit our own good fruit, and there may be people who cause your bad fruit to want to rise. Quickly say a little prayer for strength, smile, and move on. Good fruits take practice but they are so worth it.

Go out today a serve the world a beautiful fruit salad. And don’t forget the whipped cream. Be blessed, Smile; God loves you! Thank you for joining me.🥰

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.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Man is human and subject to falling and failing. From the first bite of the forbidden fruit, man was chained to sin and toils. We are made of flesh and bone. We break!

Our life is outfitted with items and products made by man’s hands. They as man will only have a certain life expectancy. It’s broken again…how many times have we said that. Tears fall because of a broken heart or, at the very least, another crack put on the heart by the man himself. (the term man is not gendered)

When we purchase, we trust it will work. When we love someone we trust, they will love us back. When we work hard, we trust that we will receive a paycheck. In most cases, this is what happens, but once again, we are subject to man’s hands. It didn’t work, they didn’t love and the plant was closed, chains on the gates.

This is life, both the good and bad, the right and wrong, the happy and sad. I encourage any of you who don’t have a relationship with our Lord just to start sharing your world with him, lay your cares at his feet, seek his smiling face at your triumphs. He is God, and he will never let you down, and he will never break!

Psalms 118:8 ESV “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

We all have people and products we trust in, naturally. We just need to remember those we love and trust are as human and fragile as we are. Be blessed today, and thank you for joining me.🥰 I hope you will keep coming back!

What does tomorrow hold? It’s distant, feels a bit dark and scary. God tells us in the end times it will be dark and dangerous, and we had better be prepared.

2 Timothy 3:1 ESV “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”

Luke 12:53 ESV “They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother in law against daughter in law and daughter in law against mother in law.”

Matthew 25:7 ESV “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”

Matthew 24:12 ESV “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.”

Mark 13:23 ESV “But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.”

Revelations 1:3 ESV “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”

Our world is in trouble, and with each passing day, we get closer to Jesus’ return. Prophecy will unfold, the truth will be buried behind faces of lies, and the masses of people will be confused and led astray. I believe it’s crucial to know who’s camp you sit in, understand your armor and wear it because you will need it.

Not much sunshine today, and I’m sorry, but grey clouds have formed above us; I dread what’s ahead and am fighting a storm within. Be blessed, Be careful, and please join me again when I feel a little more sunshine in my heart and less unease for our tomorrow. 😔❤️

Good morning; I am camping, so limited wi-fi access. So this morning is food for thought.

Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

I don’t believe God is instructing us to forget lessons learned in the past. I don’t believe he wishes for us to ignore history lessons and walk blindly back into mistakes already experienced.

I do believe that he is instructing us to learn from yesterday’s mistakes but then let them go. ”Forget about it,” God has!

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; don’t you perceive it.” when beginning anew, starting over, moving on, or just facing another day that feels like the same old thing…possibly stop and pay attention to the little nuances of Our Lord.

They may be little messages that only you would recognize, a symbol or trinket that reminds you of someone you are missing, Gods way of sending a hello. A temporary job could turn into so much more; he’s telling you he knows your needs. A surprise blessing that lets you know you aren’t alone and he loves you.

Be open and intuned to the little sights and sounds around you; those are often the times when you see and hear our Lord the most. Take a moment or two and see if you can pick out a little message or two of love from our Creator. I bet you can!

Yesterday is over and today is a new day. He is making a way, clearing brush and trees from the forest and an oasis of the water of life in your desert, Jesus Christ, take a drink. The refreshment is more than enough! Be blessed today; it’s Saturday. I hope you have something fun planned. Thank you for joining and taking the time to share with me God’s word. 🥰