Good Morning Lord,

I just finished the book of Jeremiah and first, off he sure had a tough assignment. You didn’t make his mission very easy or comfortable at all! But then your word tells us you are not as concerned about our comfort as our character.

The prophet Jeremiah went from town to town warning the Israelites of their impending doom. He tried to warn them that turning their backs on God and worshipping false idols would lead to a giant fall from grace and privilege. God would turn his back and let them fall!

They didn’t want to hear it then and we won’t want to hear it now! We have the book, we have the preachers and the teachers, we have the means to know. Yet, we have turned our backs on you once again Lord. We have gotten too full of ourselves, have forgotten, and strayed from the very foundation America was built on. “In God We Trust”

The new agenda is being taught, everything is acceptable, I’m ok, you’re ok, and don’t you dare judge. Yet, we Christians are targets and fair game. One race can detest another and that’s ok but don’t let that race speak back! Other countries now have advertisements to adopt a hungry American child. The US is now a Sarah McLaughlin commercial and my heart is broken.

Lord, give us your children the courage to be your Jeremiahs, to speak up and speak out! To be shining examples of you and your love. Let us be the lights in a world that is getting darker every day.

Thank you, Lord, for your loving hand of protection upon those who call upon you and who you call your own. We love you, we need you more than ever, thank you for always being there!

With great love and respect Lord Jesus in your mighty name I commit these words to you. Amen

Please join me in the simple prayer for our country to wake up to the lies and destruction taking place right before our eyes. Pray for a mighty revival of the truth, love, and light. Be a mighty revival of truth, light, and love…Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Hebrews 13:2 ESV “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (without being aware of a situation)

I have always loved this scripture and it’s one I try hard to practice, always! I did some studying on this verse and it brought a larger picture to mind I wish to share.

I always believed this scripture to read as Angels ~ actual angels that every once and a while the Lord would put in my path disguised as a person in need. It was as though a test, would this person in need reach my heart, my kindness, my help, my time, my pocketbook? Or, would my hectic schedule and deeds of the moment keep me from even seeing the need, the stranger?

Upon further study, the word angel here is the Greek word aggelos and its meaning is ‘messenger.’ Thus bringing a new meaning and depth to this verse, a messenger could of course be an angelic being but also a person! Nothing more, nothing less; a person down and in need.

We are all messengers in one form or fashion and one study this morning referred to God’s messengers. You and I! We are called by the Lord to share his word, his teachings, his love, his example! We are indeed God’s messengers.

To entertain is to be hospitable; to open your church, your home, your time, your pantry, your closets, your wallet, your heart! The definition of entertain: ‘is to give attention or consideration.’ (Oxford Languages)

Another definition is to provide amusement or enjoyment ~ a show perhaps ~ When we as a body of Christ or a child of Christ show love, show kindness, show empathy, show a willingness to share, show hospitality; we are showing the hands and face of God!

It’s not just the holiday of the season that should promote our awareness to help but clear open vision right in front of us, the need is everywhere! I encourage you to relook at that beggar on the corner because he just may be an angel unawares!

Thank you for joining me and I hope you have a blessed day! 🥰

Good Morning Lord,

I close my eyes with you and awaken in the morning with you! Thank you for guarding my slumber with your watchful presence, thank you that the same watchful protection covers me as I go about my day.

I read a quote from Barbara Johnson this morning, “Any fool can count the seeds in an apple but only God can count the apples in the seed!”

I sat and thought about this for a while and it made me smile, in fact I smile as I write. The fact that you can know the outcome of a seed before it’s planted. The fact that you know how many hairs are on each of our heads. That you have stored each of our tears in a bottle and carry those bottles tucked safely in your heart.

That you mighty God, creator of the universe and life know each and every one of us and love us anyway. You know the mistakes we will make and you know how many apples we will one day produce.

Thank you, Lord, for looking beyond our sinful selves and seeing the hearts that beat within. Thank you that you know our weaknesses and fears, yet you already know the battles we will triumph over.

You know today and tomorrow. You are today and tomorrow! Thank you I am your today and I am also your tomorrow, you will never leave or forsake me. On this I can stand on this I can build. Jesus my Jewish carpenter build a mansion out of me, that you may have a beautiful home to dwell within.

You know how excited I am getting as I love Christmas and it’s right around the corner! I love the one month of the year where your love permeates stronger then the atmosphere. The lights twinkle, the ribbons shine, the tree sparkles and a feeling of peace and joy fill the air! That’s you Jesus! You are the Peace and Joy!

I love you this day, I will love you tomorrow. Thank you for loving me, just little old me! Thank you for loving me just as I am but never leaving me there! I thank you for a day of quiet peace within. In your glorious name Lord Jesus I offer this prayer. Amen.

I hope you will have a blessed day and thank you for joining me. 🥰

I am traveling with my dad today…Be Blessed and I will see tomorrow.

Good Morning Lord,

And good moooorning, I sat down this morning with my trusty cup of coffee and immediately lost an hour! I will stumble and humble for a few days as the time change always messes with my internal clock.

Internal clocks, we all have them, we all fight them. We have the ages of time that our bodies reflect. We have not enough time fighting with too much time. We reflect on a time that was and long for the time to come. We carry our lists, our planners, our calendars; we plan, plot, and scurry.

Lord, help us to slow down, to stop, take a breath and look around. To slow down long enough to notice the leaves are quickly falling and old man winter is quickly approaching, the cobwebs in the ceiling corners that the summer dust bunnies left behind. The chill, the early dusk, dark windows that might use our light.

To catch hold of the upcoming season and bask in the joy of the love born. To catch the twinkle from the lights and hold them in our eyes. To slow down long enough to appreciate the wonder of you, your creation, your plan, and our walk.

To look past the ribbons and bows and see the needs of the community. That as we see our reflection in the tinsel on the tree that it’s your face Lord Jesus we see.

As we approach the holidays let us be the reminder of what the season truly is about. You Jesus Christ and the date we celebrate your birth! Because if we remove you from Christmas all we have left is “mas” a large number of people or objects crowded together; a coherent, typically a large body of matter with no definite shape.

Let us be your shape, your voice, your shining stars, your example, and your delight! Fill us full of your peace, joy and love this year Lord that we may have abundance to share!

Be blessed this day, our day of rest, I pray you can. Stay warm, stay dry, and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Dear Lord, I sit with you this morning in the quiet hours when peacefulness still reigns. I sip my coffee and talk with you, really about nothing and about everything.

I am extra excited this year, as our family has received a beautiful gift. The ending of a nightmare and the thrill of a new beginning. As I sit and smile, ponder and plan I am mindful of those who aren’t celebrating.

Lord, I lift up to you today the parents who sit beside a hospital bed holding the hand of their child while being careful not to move the tubes and wires that are attached to their angel. I lift those sick angels up to you in a deep heart wrenching plea for healing, give those little bodies all the strength and determination they need…be their strength.

I lift up the children at the bedside of their parent, fear gripping as you watch them wither and fade. I lift up the spouse who is holding the hand of their partner wondering how do I do this without them? I lift up to you those who are waiting on a report and the fear of the findings. Tomorrow seems daunting and it’s hard to breathe. Lord give them your peace that surpasses all understanding.

I lift up to you Lord those who sit at gravesides and look up to you for peace and solace, missing those who have gone before us. Longing for the day we once again can see their smiles, feel their hugs. Please tell them hello from us!

Please, Lord, help us to be mindful of the neighbor who is alone. The many names of children who will be on the Christmas trees of giving. A minute here, a hand there is often all it takes. Lord, lay on our hearts those who could use a cheerful smile, a warm touch, a plate of homemade cookies.

We are coming up on the most beautiful holiday and that’s our celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest gift mankind has ever been offered to received. Lord, help us this season to accept your gift of love and to pass it on to others.

In your glorious name Lord Jesus I pray. Amen 🙏

To the Nikki’s and the Bella’s, Goldfish, Cakes, Jan’s niece, Carol Ann, Sherri Lynn, Brittany, Dolly and Hummingbird…you are always in my prayers. May the Lord bring healing, health, direction and peace to your bodies, spirits, families and hearts. I love you!

Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Good Morning…I have been working through a spiritual battle and growth all the while my body decided to have a mild case of the flu!

We fight many battles in life; health battles, financial wars, relationship struggles, life’s trials in general. There is also a battle that is being fought daily in the heavenly realm as well. Good vs. Evil is not just a cartoon.

I try not to be personal in my devotions even tho it’s not unusual to gain inspiration from, however today I offer a small glimpse of a battle fought and the monumental move in my world from our Lord.

Six years or so ago a monster disguised as a cute, funny, and quite charming young man entered my daughter’s life-destroying it and her in his harmful violent path. Three years ago God brought forth a beautiful little angel from this turbulent relationship and the real battle began. The physical abuse, dominance and control became more violent and a serious spiral downward evolved within my child.

Finally, mom became a bit smarter and my daughter now understood a mothers love, pain, devotion and the powerful protective layer we strive to wrap our children in.

That’s when two years ago I was allowed to step into the boxing ring and put on the gloves. I asked God to help me save my daughter and granddaughter. I can’t begin to express the emotional punches, the verbal jags, the threats intended as a right hook, and the sheer evil I danced with. But I didn’t dance alone you see, the Holy Spirit was beside me every step of the way, leading, guiding, bringing darkness to light. Helping me to always stay one step ahead of my opponent.

A few months ago we get a notification that the monster is up for possible parole! What!!! He hasn’t served near enough of his punishment! God!!! Calls were made, letters written, prayers said, faith held!

Acts 16:26 NIV “Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”

On the fourth day of this month my daughter and I received the glorious news that parole had been denied! About two hours after that my daughter was notified that contingencies keeping her in Texas were lifted and she can move home.

In a matter of hours God sealed one prison door on evil and malice and opened another on hope and faith!

Proverbs 3:6 NIV “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

I thank you Lord for always walking with me and mine. We look to you and trust in you to make our paths straight and when we are on trails that are a bit crooked, we have the absolute reassurance that you are always with us, holding our hands. I offer you all the praise and all the glory. Thank you for protecting and bringing my girls home. In your glorious name I give thanks.” Amen

Thank you for joining me today! It feels so good to be back in sunshine…be blessed today and try and be a blessing 🥰

Coffee, probably one of the most popular beverages in today’s society. When Starbucks hit the streets in 1991 it became a phenomenon. Coffee was no longer dark colored water in a cup…it became a decadent sipping experience.

Coffee has become very social in the 21st Century. We meet for coffee, discuss business over coffee, we often have a first date over coffee. I play an online game and belong to a club and we literally meet daily in the coffee lounge where we share a cup of coffee that equals energy…There are as many different places and ways to share coffee, have your coffee prepared and served as there are types of beans and roasting techniques.

I’m an early riser, very early sometimes and I’ve grown accustomed to the quiet hours when the sky is covered in its black comforter and the world still feels like it’s sleeping. It’s peaceful…I appreciate the alone time with my, you guessed it, my coffee…

I also have a coffee date every morning, my date is the best because I don’t have to get dressed, he’s cool with my flannel nightgown. I don’t have to comb my hair or put any makeup on because he loves me just as I am. He always works around my schedule; so if we meet at 4 a.m. he’s there or if it isn’t until 5:30 a.m. he’s patiently waiting. Seriously, he isn’t even upset that I’m late today, he’s just thrilled I showed up.

Ok, so where can I find a morning coffee date like yours, you may be asking…and I’m so glad you did. My date is Jesus and he can be found within the pages of Bible….there are yearly Bible’s broke down to a reading a day…there are plenty of online options to choose from to help create a reading plan that works for you. Keep it simple, just crack open the pages and dive in. You’ll be amazed at the characters you will meet and grow to love within those crisp pages, they are all there just waiting to meet you!!!

Psalms 118:24 NCV “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it today.”

Lamentations 3:22-25 NCV “The Lord’s love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning; Lord, your loyalty is great. I say to myself, ‘the Lord is mine, so I hope in him’. The Lord is good to those who hope in him.”

Psalms 143:8 NCV “Tell me in the morning about your love, because I trust you. Show me what I should do, because my prayers go up to you.”

I can tell you by experience that the mornings I share my coffee with the Lord and then begin my day go a lot smoother then the mornings I share with just myself. Could it be the spirit that remains in me throughout the day from starting my day off right that makes it seem smoother??? Hmmm, thoughts to ponder…

So go grab a cup of coffee, set down and crack open your Bible and start your day with the best friend you will ever have. If you do not have a Bible please message me and we will get you one. Have a most blessed day and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Good Morning Lord,

Thank you for being with me as I start my day, thank you for having watched over me as I slept last night.

Thank you for your very large hand that always holds my very small one. I walk safe in the knowledge of you. I will suffer trials along this journey but I am sure of one thing, I never face those trials alone.

Thank you Lord for helping me clean up and get out of the messes I make, thank you for teaching me along the process. Thank you Lord for the ability to look back a year ago and see the progress and steps forward I have taken and achieved.

Thank you for always walking with me, thank you for never letting me stay put but always moving me forward, upward!

I long to grow stronger in your peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding. I wish for joy to fill my body and spirit to overflow so that it runs out of me and splashes onto others.

Let me see you in the beauty of the majestic trees, let me hear your voice in the gentle breeze that whispers by, let me feel your strength in the winds that rattle the rooftops and scatter the leaves helter-skelter across the yard. Help me to relax in the quietness of your love.

With you I am everything, without you I am lost. I am not weak, I am humble. I am not so stupid that I can’t navigate the waters of life but I am smart enough to seek your guidance as I maneuver through them.

Thank you Lord for being with my loved ones when I can’t, watching over them, protecting them, providing for them. I thank you for the provisions in my life and try daily never to take anything right and good for granted.

I thank you for this day, a day of rest, a day of your teachings and glory abound. Thank you for your word and for your teachers of! In your glorious name Lord Jesus I thank you for you! Amen 🙏

Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Reflection: an image seen in a mirror or shiny surface; serious thought or consideration. (Oxfordlanguages.com)

I’ve been in a season of reflection and have come to the realization very seldom do we see ourselves correctly. We can see ourselves better than we are and that’s a lie…we can see ourselves lower than we are and that too is a lie. So what is the truth?

Reflect! Ponder! Ask!

Does your spirit feel off? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal that which is within, that you can’t seem to grasp. Do you walk in pride and alone because you are your own best friend? Do you walk with your head bowed, silent and obscure because someone or life has made you feel small and insignificant?

Do you see yourself through the lens of your mistakes? Do you view yourself through your accomplishments? Have you forgotten the steps you’ve taken and only see the ones still left to climb?

We all need to reflect on our growth and stride as it is essential for continued growth. Pick up your pom-poms and give yourself a cheer. Make a list of where you were a year ago and where you are today! It’s ok to be proud of positive growth!

2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Note, one degree! Not one giant leap, not one big jump, not one large free fall! One small degree at a time. Take the time to reflect on your strides forward and be proud of yourself. Take the time to reflect on that still left to accomplish and remember One Degree!

As I mentioned, I’ve been in a state of reflection, from the growth in my ‘retrain my brain’ resolution to the rereading and rewriting past devotions. Taking my desired changes daily to the Lord for his assistance. We can’t stop growing or we get stagnant and turn to mush! I don’t want to wind up a lump of flesh in a chair. I want to grow, go and be a part of life!!!

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

Will you join me? Be blessed and be kind to yourself today! And as always, thank you for sharing some of your time with me. ❤️🥰