The Bible is the living, breathing word of God! Found within the halls of this library, held securely within leather-bound walls, is a collection of books containing a myriad of information.

We have stories depicting heroes, warriors, shepherds, kings, wanderers, liars, slanderers, prophets, thieves, magicians, spies, prostitutes, beggars, farmers, noblemen, priests, rabbis, tent makers, and desert dwellers.

We have direction, instruction, prophecy, wisdom, parables and examples. Pastor Lynn calls the Bible, ‘Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.’ But have you ever considered the Bible to be a love letter?

It is indeed that, a love letter from God to us…to YOU!

John 3:16 ESV “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

1 John 4:19 ESV “We love because he loved us first.”

Zephaniah 3:17 ESV “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Think about this last verse; to rejoice is to feel joy or great delight. He will rejoice over you with gladness! To think that we bring him joy and happiness! He will quiet us with his love. Bringing peace within our hurried selves, soft, mild, gentle, and serenity are all words associated with quiet. To exult is a verb meaning ‘to leap for joy.’ To think that the Lord of all the universe leaps for joy over us with loud singing.

That sounds like the love I have, and we are to have towards him. But to imagine he feels all of that and more for you and me!

That’s beautiful love!

1 John 3:1 ESV “See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

Psalm 136:26 ESV “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

Steadfast love that endures forever! Forever!

That’s eternal Love!

Romans 8:38 NLT “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”

That’s strong, powerful love!

That’s God’s love!

Be blessed today, knowing indeed how much the Lord loves you. Thank you for sharing some time in Sunshine. ❤️☀️🥰

It’s January first of 2023…

A new year, a new start, fresh ideas, goals, hopes and dreams!

I used to dread the new year and faced it with fear and anxiety! What changes might I have to face? Whom might I lose this year? A whole new year loomed ahead, and it felt daunting!

I still have to fight to overcome these errant thoughts and replace them with thoughts of truth!

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Isaiah 41:10 ESV “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

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.”

Proverbs 12:25 ESV “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Colossians 3:16 ESV “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Matthew 6:34 NLT “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Todays trouble is enough for today.”

Deuteronomy 3:18 ESV “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.”

I still don’t know what my new year will look like! I still could allow myself to fear the unknown and what the future holds or I can stand on the Lords word, trusting him with my today and tomorrow’s.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT “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.”

And that’s enough for me!

I’m off to hang up my new calendars for the new year! I love calendars each new month, flipping the page and revealing a new picture, and with those new pages, I am reminded of his love and mercies that are new every day!

Lamentations 3:23 NLT “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Welcome to our new year! We may not know what it holds for us, but we do know who holds us! May you and yours be blessed throughout. And as always, thank you for sharing some time in Sunshine. ❤️☀️🥰

Revelation 3:14-16 NLT “Write this letter to the angel of the church of Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the amen-the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:

I know all the things you do that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Revelation 3:17 NLT “You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are miserable and pour and blind and naked.”

Revelation 3:18-19 NLT “So I advise you to buy gold from me-gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”

Revelation 3:20-21 NLT “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.”

Revelation 3:22 NLT “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

This is the seventh and final letter to the churches of ancient Asia Minor. Laodicea was a wealthy, industrious city in the province of Phrygia in the Lycos Valley.

Again, as in the message to the church of Philadelphia, this was not simply a message of warnings from John but from Jesus himself! He identifies himself as The amen, The true and faithful witness, The ruler of God’s new creation. Once again, he emphasizes his sovereignty and power.

Unlike the prior six churches we’ve read about, this letter begins with nothing commendable about it! Jesus begins this letter immediately with condemnation! He is giving the church and us a severe warning!

The church had become apathetic (showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern), just going through the motions.

You know, giving the proper lip service and attendance! Playing and looking the part of a Christian, yet all the while, dust thickens on your Bible, and your prayer life is stagnant. The needy are someone else’s problem. You tithe, you show up, you have pretty much all you need…yep, you’re good! Right?

The church of Laodicea was wealthy, and their needs were met! But were they? The wealth they had accumulated was earthly, while their spiritual bank account was empty!

There was no real relationship with God! They were empty vessels simply going through the motions…neither hot nor cold! Spit out of the Lord’s mouth as though drinking bitter water!

I personally would hate to think I had become so placid within my walk with the Lord that I had become a bitter taste in his mouth!

Something to think about! Where is your walk? How is your prayer life? Do you smile and get a quickening when you think about or spend time with our Lord, or is he just a 911 call when life is falling apart?

What we invest in will undoubtedly be what we receive. How full or empty is your heavenly bank account? I’m shooting for the gold and clothing of fine white linen! How about you?

Thank you for spending a bit of time with me in Sunshine. Be blessed, and be a blessing! ❤️☀️🥰

Revelation 3:7-8 NLT “Write this letter to the angel of the church of Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens no one can close, and what he closes, no one can open.

I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.“

Revelation 3:9 NLT “Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue – those liars who say they are Jews but are not-to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.”

Revelation 3 10-11 NLT “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold onto what you have so that no one will take away your crown.”

Revelation 3:12-13 NLT “All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God-the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will write on them my new name.

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

Philadelphia was a city in Asia-Minor (modern-day Turkey) on the Imperial Post route, an important trade route.

This letter was not one of Johns personal messages to this group of believers but a personal message from the Lord, who as we read identified himself as ‘him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. Exclaiming what he opens, stays open and what me closes stays closed. This description emphasizes His holiness, His sovereignty and His authority.

Jesus affirms the churches positive actions. What this churches weakness was I do not know but Jesus praises them for tho they were weak, they were faithful in the face of trials.

There was much persecution in the day of the early churches! Jesus refers to the religious hypocrites who were persecuting his believers. He states that one day they will realize Christ’s love for his children. The church of Philidelphia would stand victorious over its enemies.

Jesus encouraged the Philidelphia believers and you and I regarding his future coming: ‘Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world testing those who live on the earth.’

Hold on to what you have so no one can take away your crown! The church and our faithful endurance will serve as a blessing when Jesus takes us with him before the coming tribulation.

Jesus’ final promise in this letter to the believers in Philadelphia and to all believers: ‘to him who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down from out of heaven from my God; and I will also write in him my new name.’

“God promised that He will not just honor overcomers by erecting a pillar in their name in heaven, as was the custom in Philadelphia. He will make them pillars in the spiritual temple of God, the New Jerusalem.” Professor Thomas Constable

Jesus is speaking to you and me! He gives us an example of a church that is weak yet faithful! Not all of us will be mighty men of God! Not all of us will stand behind a pulpit preaching the word of God with authority. Not all of us can speak out our faith in a strong, loud voice. So all can hear!

Faithful…that’s the message our Lord is conveying…even in weakness, remain steadfast in Him, as He is always faithful to His word! And to us, his church, he gives His word!

Philippians 4:13 NLT “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

So, on the days your spirit is low, your faith is weak, your waiting is tiring, your walk is lonely, and your prayers feel unheard, remember you are not alone. Many of us are on the same road to Philadelphia. I will meet you there. I will be the one wearing the crown of perseverance, standing beside my pillar!

Be blessed today, and try to be a blessing! Thank you for sharing some time in Sunshine. ❤️☀️🥰

Revelation 3:1-3 NLT “Write this letter to the angel of the church of Sardis. This is a message from the one who has the sevenfold spirit of God and the seven stars.”

I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive- but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find your actions do not meet the requirements of God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.”

Revelation 3:4-6 NLT “Yet there are some of you in the church of Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life but will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

We are in the fifth letter, and as with the first four, there are warnings and lessons not only for the church but for us as well…remember we are the church!

Sardis was one of the oldest and best-defended cities in the region and was the wealthy capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. (the area is now in the modern republic of Turkey)

In this letter Jesus isn’t condemning the church but the state of the church! When he speaks, ‘I know your deeds have a reputation for being alive but you are dead!’ In other words, they were spiritually lifeless, simply going through the motions!

You know the routine; it’s Sunday morning, get up, get breakfast in a rush, get the family up, fed, dressed and in the car…there’s usually a fight, and traffic sucks. We’ve arrived at church the line is a million miles long, no where to park…its raining! Run into the church, get the kids to their classrooms, hit the sanctuary, find a seat…oh my gosh, praise and worship has started. I don’t even have my coat off…the pastor is now talking, and I remember I forgot to take something out for dinner; what am I going to fix for dinner? What did he say? I missed that. Sound all too feel familiar? Possibly next Sunday we will take a church day off and rest…after all it is called the day of rest! Then, maybe the next one after that because life is busy and I’m tired! Hmmm, when was the last time we went to church! It’s that easy!

The church of Sardis was filled with unsaved people just going through the motions of religion! Jesus warns them and us to wake up! Remember what you have heard, learned, and received!

Check the condition of your heart and prayers! Are they routine? Said so often, they roll off your tongue without true heartfelt meaning behind them! Where is your heart? Is it on the path the Lord has for you, or has it wandered off into the wilderness and is a bit lost?

Jesus encourages us to repent, be faithful and worthy! Taking off the filthy garments and once again letting our Lord dress us in white!

To be worthy is to match up with…professing our faith with our mouths, matching the confidence of faith in our hearts. To be faithful to the end!

Jesus promises clothing of white for his faithful ones! The final promise to the church in Sardis: ‘he who overcomes a will be like them, dressed in white, and he also promises he will never blot out his name from the book of life, and I will acknowledge him before my father and his angels.”

It’s easy in our hectic world to get tired and side-tracked! There are many ways and places we can cut corners and time, but our relationship with God is not one of them! Take some time today if you can and possibly reflect on where and how true your walk is…spend some time talking to Jesus and have him help you get back on track!

If your walk and relationship are on track, be blessed and a blessing because, remember, you are a walking example to someone who might be lost! You are the church.

Be blessed today and thank you for sharing some Sunshine with me. ❤️☀️🥰

Revelation 2:18-23 NLT “Write this letter to the angel of the church of Thyatira. This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, who’s feet are like polished bronze.”

I know all these things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.

But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman-that Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols.

I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immortality. Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds.

I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.

Revelation 2:25-28 NLT “I will ask nothing more of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come. To all who are victorious, who obey me to the end,

To them I will give authority over all nations. They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star!

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

Thyatira was a wealthy town on the Lycus River in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey)

Jesus begins this letter as he began the prior three we’ve studied, and that’s with positive affirmations. He proclaims that he has seen the works of their service and perseverance. He recognizes their qualities of; love, faith, service, patient endurance, and greater works.

However, there is this woman, Jezebel, that you tolerate!

A false prophetess that led the church to compromise by engaging in sexual immorality and dabbling in idolatry. It could be possible that Jezebel was her real name but rather a symbolic reference to the Jezebel of the Old Testament ~ another idolatrous woman who opposed God’s ways.

Rather than to rebuke the false teachings of this prophetess and sending her out of the church, the believers of Thyatira allow her to continue her deception.

Jesus pronounces judgment on the ‘Jezebel’ and calls the church to repent of their sin.

Jesus, encourages those who remain faithful to continue in their faith. To hold onto what they have until the day of his return.

He promises to his believers the authority over the nations, victory over all enemies and the morning star.

This morning star is Jesus Himself. Jesus will give himself to His church, and they will fellowship together forever! Thus remember, we are the church!

The Bible, from start to finish, speaks of sexual sin! We are given warning after warning of the snares and deceptions of sexual sins…

1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”

Hebrews 13:4 ESV “Let marriage be held in honor along all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

Proverbs 6:2 ESV “He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3 ESV “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.”

Colossians 3:5 ESV “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

1 John 1:9 ESV “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

And on that positive note I will close with much thanksgiving for the generous: grace, favor and mercy we are granted each and every day!

Thank you for visiting Sunshine and May your day be blessed. ❤️☀️🥰

Revelation 2:12-14 NLT “Write this letter to the angel of the church of Pergamum. This is a message from the one with the sharp two edged sword:

I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness was martyred among you there in Satans city.

But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel.”

Revelation 2:16-17 NLT “Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on that stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.”

Pergamum, is the third of the seven churches of Asia Minor to receive one of Johns specific messages. As we read Johns messages to the churches we need to recognize these same principles are still needed in the churches today and in us as well.

Pergamum or Pergamos was a beautiful art-filled city. It was built along two tributaries of the Caicus River.

Pergamum was a center for the worship of Dionysus, Zeus and other pagan Gods. Jesus affirms that Satan has his throne where you live.

He recognizes and makes note to the church of Pergamum that even when one of their own was put to death for his Christian stance and belief, they stood solid and unified.

However, Jesus took note of their sin! They held fast to the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating foods sacrificed to idols (religious compromise) and by committing sexual immorality (moral compromise).

This was and is a wake up call!

Repent of any religious or moral compromise. Strive each day to be a good example not one of Balaam who by actions and words led others astray.

Jesus promises the church of Pergamum and to you and I; if we remain faithful and overcome the ways of the world, we too shall be victorious and will reign with Jesus in heaven for eternity!

I can’t wait, and I hope to see you there! In the meantime, thank you for being here! Have a blessed day! ❤️☀️🥰

Revelation 2:8-9a NLT “Write this letter to the angel of the church of Symrna. This is a message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive.”

I know about your suffering and your poverty -but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you.”

Revelation 2:10 NLT “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:11 NLT “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.”

Smyrna, I’ve learned, was just 35 miles north of Ephesus, at the head of the Aegean Sea. The city was known for its beauty, wealth, and achievement.

This busy seaport hub prided itself in intellect, art, religion, and athletic prowess. Some of the first schools of science and medicine were founded in Symnra. The Olympian games were held in Symnra.

Throughout history, Symnra has suffered its share of hardships: wars, massacres, earthquakes, and plaques, but the city has always bounced back.

Jesus spoke, ‘I know your afflictions and poverty- Yet you are rich.’

The followers of Jesus living in Symnra were viewed as a cult and highly persecuted by the hostile Roman empire. They hated the zealot Jewish leaders, hated Christians, and prohibited them from working, buying, or selling at any time they could. As a result, the Smyrnaean believers lived in genuine poverty for their faith.

However, the church was highly wealthy! No, not in material or temporal things but through their perseverance, faith, and dedication to their belief in Jesus Christ, his resurrection, and spreading the gospel message. They were beyond rich in the spiritual treasures awaiting them in Heaven.

Matthew 6:20-21 NLT “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also.”

And in the final verses, Jesus warns us that by following him, we might experience hardships, persecution, and testing! I am not sure that the Lord’s message is any more popular today than it was 2,000 years ago!

True Christians who seek daily to follow the Lord and his ways are often looked at differently than the mass popular. Often people don’t know how to act around a Christian. Can we cuss in front of them, what about have a drink, can I tell this crude joke? Christians can often make nonbelievers uncomfortable or nervous I believe that that is the Holy Spirit possibly convicting, as I know it isn’t our job.

So, we read in this letter to the church of Symnra actual accolades from Jesus, and praise to this church, with this one not followed by a warning! The church of Symnra is a great example of how to follow, stay on track and not let the ways and threats of this world get in the way of our path to Heaven.

The ways of the world are temporal! The wealth we acquire on earth stays on earth. The treasures we build and store in heaven will be waiting for us one day!

Let’s be a church of Symnra…strong in our beliefs and faith! Solid as the rock we have built our church on, not afraid to share the gospel and rich in the life and blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for sharing some time in Sunshine. Be blessed! ❤️☀️🥰

I have reached the end of the year, so my New Testament reading is in Revelation! For the most part, I don’t understand the book of prophecy, but I can relate to the accolades and warnings that the Lord gave to his early churches, and the message still applies to the churches and us today.

Revelation 2:1 ESV “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is a message from the One who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lamp stands.”

Revelation 2:2a ESV “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people.

Revelation 2:3a ESV “You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.”

Revelation 2:4-5a ESV “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first. Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.”

Revelation 2:7 ESV “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious, I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”

Christianity was introduced in Ephesus by the Apostle Paul in the 1st century AD.

In time the church of Ephesus aligned itself with the powers of darkness and embraced the vile nature of corrupt politics. This period and place were during the Roman Empire, and they ruled the land and people with an iron fist! The further warning addresses the immoral decline of the church combined with the loss of passion and zeal for the Lord their God!

Anyone with ears must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. We are that church and we need to listen.

His word tells us He sees us, our hard work, our patient endurance, and the daily choices regarding right and wrong, good and evil, those we should be spending time with, and those we shouldn’t.

When we speak up for Him and his way, especially when his ways aren’t the most popular choices. Choosing to be an example to the world rather than becoming part of it! Being looked at differently because of our walk with the Lord, possibly ridiculed, laughed at, sneered at, and joked about!

Our Lord sees it all, and we are credited and acclaimed for our love and perseverance, but what about the warning?

Turn back to me and do the works you did at first!

Do you still love with the same passion you had when you first fell in love with Jesus? Do you still long to be in his presence, his word, and his way? I am always in the Lord’s way; I am a pest; I talk to him all day long! He is truly my best friend! Do you love him like that? Do you desire to love him like that? Do you share your testimonies, his love, grace, favor, and mercy with others?

If your relationship has turned mundane, if your passion has cooled, your desire weakened, and your time spent with the Lord a quick thought here and a short prayer there; I would suggest some quiet time with the Lord asking him for a revival in your spirit and life!

Anyone with ears, let them hear!

Dear Lord,

We come before you, asking for a revival in our hearts and spirits! That we find ourselves in tune with you and your word! To seek your love, peace, joy, and favor! Lord our world is in a strange place and our government feels dark. Please help us discern what is true, what is right and what is your way, not the ways of this world. In your glorious name Lord Jesus I commit this prayer with thanksgiving for your teachings and warnings. Amen

Thank you for visiting Sunshine with me today…stay tuned tomorrow when we see the Church of Smyrna! Be blessed ❤️☀️🥰

My joy, I have misplaced my joy somewhere, and I can’t find it!

I haven’t been visiting Sunshine these past couple of weeks because I would have felt like a phony! I have been grumpy, unsettled, and haunted weirdly, as though I can’t sit still but have no desire to move either!

I have been in constant prayer and seeking the Lord’s wisdom, the Holy Spirit, to sweep in and sweep it away! I have been missing Sunshine and praying about that as well, and the Lord revealed in my spirit last night that it’s ok and even healthy to say I’m not ok right now!

We are flesh and blood; we are human beans, even as Christians…we feel…we aren’t robots.

Christmas is such a beautiful time, and we are all instructed to go home for the holidays; the crunching of snow, the twinkling of lights, pumpkin pie, and presents! How the melodies make it sound so perfect.

BUT…

What about some who can’t go or come home? What about the parents who don’t have enough? What about those who have lost dear ones and silently mourn? The heartbroken, those who have lost hope. What about the ones living outside in tents? What about those with family they can’t talk to but still think of from time to time? What about those without food in the pantry or even a filled grocery bag? The lonely, scared, lost and alone?

No tree, no twinkling lights, No fire in the fireplace!

Our world is dire, but I suspect it always has been. The need is much; evil runs rampant, and I am sad.

Do I sit and dwell? I try not to! I turn my heart, thoughts, cares, and trials over to the Lord! I recognize the place I am in and am working and praying my way through it!

I am blessed with much, so when these feelings of shadows and sadness cling like a damp fog, I feel guilty because so many have so little, and I don’t feel I deserve the right to feel down! That’s a lie, and I must not allow myself to believe it, nor shall I allow myself to wallow!

1 Timothy 4:10 ESV “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the loving God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

Isaiah 9:6 ESV “For to us a child is born, unto us a son, is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

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

Dear Lord Our Father God,

I bow before you this morning , heavy in heart and spirit. The ways of the world and people are so hard and hurtful. Please forgive me for the ones I hurt and have hurt. Please send your comforter to those of us who are hurting, and need the comfort of your love, warmth, and promises. In the most beautiful of holidays, as we celebrate the birth of your son and life eternal, please help us to notice those in need, those who need a bit of comfort, a kind word, a smile. Let us be that smile Lord. In your glorious name, Lord Jesus, fill our hearts that we have so much of you inside that it overflows and spills onto everyone we meet! With humble Thanksgiving I pray. Amen