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Years ago Carl had a massive stroke. At the time we lived in LaGrange, but soon moved to Louisville to be closer to family and grandchildren. It was hard leaving our friends in LaGrange. After moving to our new neighborhood I remember asking God to bring some men friends to Carl. Little did I know God’s plan was in motion. God has surrounded Carl with godly men. Once a week Carl is picked up and off he goes to a nearby restaurant for breakfast, Bible study, prayer, laughter and those pancakes too!

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb. 10:25

God’s plan of salvation is DONE. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God is DOING life with us. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5

God WILL DO what He says He WILL DO. “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

We can rest with confidence that God is in control because of what He has done, doing and will do.

God knows your wishes, thoughts, where you live and what you need. Here’s a picture of some special friends that prove to me that God knows what I need. God has blessed me by placing these “sisters in Christ” in my life. We laugh, cry, celebrate life and pray together. Sharing life with friends who walk in the truth of God’s Word and will pray for you, is a blessing you don’t want to miss. God sure knows what we need.

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:1-2

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt. 6:33

A priority is something that comes first and of leading importance. It involves what we think about, where we spend our money, and where we spend our time. Matthew 6:33 urges us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” In today’s world there’s a lot of things that can bump God out of first place. Let’s choose to seek Him first. I love this sweet picture. It makes me think of Jesus’ love for us and the spiritual nourishment given in God’s Word.

I can’t get over how you can read the Bible over and over and still continue to receive understanding. I have found learning together in a Bible study strengthens my faith and it’s fun too! I want to cheer you on. Don’t miss the blessing of studying God’s Word together. The transforming power of God’s Word can shape and mold you into that beautiful free person He created you to be. Over time, inner transformation and growth takes place. The living and active Word of God produces change, guides, gives peace, delivers, encourages and makes satan run.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb. 4:12

Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Rev. 22:17

We need water to survive. Our life depends on it. That makes me think of how much we need Jesus. Our eternal life depends on Jesus. Are you thirsty for the Water of Life?

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:1-2

I have to smile when I look at this picture of my youngest granddaughter holding this sign. My son took his only daughter shopping for some new decorations for her room. I heard he conveniently directed her to this sign. She hung it up right as you go into her room by the light switch. My son’s love for his daughter prompts him to watch over her and guard her now and in the future. Jesus is for that! Children are so special to Jesus…And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16

A long time ago, I started to keep a journal and I continue to do so. My reason for journaling is to become aware of God’s presence in my life along with His blessings. I discovered by writing down the evidence of God’s presence, or His blessings or scriptures that He brings to my mind, became a powerful defense against anxiety or fear. Journal writing is a safeguard against the enemy stealing my joy. I want to encourage those who are journaling to keep on going, and for those who are not journaling to give it a try. Please remember with God writing is not about perfection. Misspelled words don’t bother God. Journal writing is about drawing closer to God and enjoying your relationship with Him. In tough days and in good days too, you can go back to your journal and reread, remember, and rejoice.

You will fill me with joy in your presence. Acts 2:28

I’m thankful that God created in us the ability to sing. That ability doesn’t always mean having a beautiful voice. Carrying a tune is not all that important when we sing to the Lord. No matter what our singing sounds like when we praise Jesus in song the sound is absolutely beautiful to Him. What He thinks is what really counts. This new year let’s sing more. Even on the days you don’t feel like singing take a deep breath and belt out a song anyway. Our song touches the very heart of God as we sing in our suffering. I’ve found after singing a song like: Jesus Loves Me, or Victory in Jesus, or Amazing Grace, I’m reminded of God’s love and power and my stress or fear or disappointment fades. What will be your first song this year you’ll sing to Jesus?

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-8

Something I’ve noticed in the Bible is that more than once, when joy is mentioned some kind of pain or hardship has happened beforehand. For example, Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 To choose joy in the middle of suffering and loss is a strong affirmation of faith. The best explanation of joy that I’ve heard is “living in the reality of God’s promises.” No matter the twists and turns in life, let’s rest in the truth that God keeps His promises. Promises like: unconditional love, forgiveness, an ever-present help in trouble and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Wow! That’s the joy of the Lord!

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Hab.3:18