Worship Wednesday - Under His Wings

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: 

his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91: 4

Father...you know my heart today. Our family has much to pray about this week. I am so thankful that you have us covered and under your wings we will trust your promises. I want to thank you for loving me, thank you for holding us close and for giving us victory in Jesus!!

Please pray.....
B's test results
Am's surgery
My Brother & his family in Venezuela 
Sis & school 
My mother 
and many other unspoken that the Lord knows all about.
Thanks :)  

(Visit Raising Future Esthers for the final days of God's love devotions - missed the rest of the month?? Go back to Feb 1 and begin - you will be blessed)

JOY: Bear Others Burdens

I am intentionally praying that God will not only instill JOY  in my life, but that I will be able to share JOY with others. But, as the first week of 2013 unfolded, He showed me that I cannot have JOY until I put Him first. And others next. 

Today, I am sharing what He gave me over the weekend. I get so wrapped up in  my world, that I fail to see the needs, wants, hurts, etc of others. I want to be different and change that. This weekend some things have happened and I asked the Lord what could I do to help. He gave me this 

So I began to think of ways that I could do that. Sure, I can pray, but I wanted something that would mean just a little more. And, wouldn't you know Deidre's Sunday school lesson was on encouraging others through the written word. Not, just an email, not just a text, not just a post on a Faceb*ok wall, those are great and come a the right time. But, an actual card or letter. Hmm, I love when I get a card, and I used to do that.... now its time to get back at it!

I realized that not only could I bear my friends burdens by sending a card, but also those that aren't my friends, or those that I may have difficulties with...now that is a stretch for me. Just let me say, the person that came to my mind. I REALLY didn't want to send HER a card. (Have you ever been "done" with someone?...well, I have been with her - not good, I know, and I am very thankful that God is never "done" with me!) So I was sort of asking/seeking out a different person. Wouldn't you know it. God placed her right in my path right after that Sunday School lesson. OK I get it. I know I must start with her. I don't want to miss the opportunities He places before me. 

Anyway, after going to bed last night, I knew what I had to post today. Not only am I going to pray the following requests, I am asking anyone that happens upon this post to pray as well. The power of prayer is what is going to give peace, strength, comfort, and healing when they need it the most. 

Please pray for 

~ a precious sister in Christ, her brother committed suicide Friday night. She desires prayers for her family during this tragic time.

~some sweet friends lost their cousin to illness last night, this has been a hard situation and the past year has taken a toll on this family. Please lift this entire family up as they have had tough situations in their family; cancer, another cousin was murdered the end of last year, sickness, surgeries and other health problems.

~please remember 13 year old Savannah and her family as she battles lymphoma 

 ~ please continue to remember my brother and his family as they are in Language school in Costa Rica, visit The Venezuelan Voice for the latest updates.

~our precious friends, Chad & Leslie, they are foster parents and back in October, two precious children were placed in their home. These are the first foster children ever placed in their home. The past couple of months have been a huge adjustment for them and their son. Please remember them as they love and encourage these children the Lord has brought into their lives.

~and for the person above that I have difficulties with and that situation

I know many others around me have burdens as well, but these are the ones that the Lord is having me share today. Thank you for praying!

Jesus Our HOPE

 In my previous post, I wrote 

"HOPE that was born on Christmas. In Christ's birth God provided HOPE. Hope to a lost and dying world." 

Those words ring even more true today.

I haven't had words to write about the events of last Friday. Nor do I have them today. Many bloggers, did a day of silence, many shared there heart, many focused on the children, and many shared there HOPE in Christ. And I can only write of what I do know.....

Jesus was born to die for me.

Jesus is coming back to get me one day. 

He will never leave me nor forsake me. 

His promises are true. 

He heals the brokenhearted. 

He loves me with an everlasting love. 

I could write more about Him, because I know He has so much more for me. I have been reminded that I am to focus on the Lord and His promises and not on the evil in this world.

My hope is in the Lord!

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:24

Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil. Jeremiah 17:17

I have seen the poem below a couple times. It warms my heart, renews and reinforces my hope. Hug your loved ones a little tighter and a little longer. May our Heavenly Father pour out His grace and mercy.

20 Beautiful Children 

‘twas 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air...
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf , PA (my hometown)

Pray Without Ceasing

My heart has been heavy for the past couple of weeks. Some friends of ours that we have known for years, have a sweet 13 year old girl that has been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. This family knows the Lord is in control and that He is going to take care of her. 

Her name is Savannah, and she has already been such a blessing to me. Some of her facebook posts has read,

"OK...first of all i just want to thank my family for everything. They have stuck with me and stayed beside me! I have been at the doctor a lot lately. They did a CT scan and found a very large lymph node! They viewed it and they think that it is Lymphoma Cancer....:( No matter what I will keep walking the walk with God! They are not for sure though yet if it is cancer. I have a biopsy on Nov. 26. they said there is an 80% chance that it is Lymphoma. Just please if you would keep me and my family in your prayers."

"I have cancer but cancer don't have me....:)"

"Cancer is BIG.....GOD IS BIGGER:)"

Today's post (she begins treatment today) 

"OK. I'm ready for the fight God. I know that you will never put somebody into a situation that they cant handle!!:)! I got two thumbs up......but pray for me that God gives me strength to get through this long period. "In the multitude's. Of my anxieties within me your comfort delights my soul. Psalm 94:19" "

Oh the faith of this precious little girl!! God has a plan in all this. Her mother shared with me that she wished it was her and not Savannah. I think as parents, we all would feel this way. But, she also said this, God will get the glory from this. By using Savannah, He can touch more people through her than He ever could me. Lord, please give her Mom strength and hold her when she is broken.

Savannah loves the Lord, her faith is strong, she is outgoing, sweet, is a great athlete, she has played ball with and against so many girls and God will use this situation in her and her families lives to bring others to Him. He is already at work, she invited friends to a prayer service at her church (and the church was full!!). Our community is pulling together to support their family in so many ways. Their family is very special to us. Her older brother and Bub have been friends since Kindergarten and have played ball together for years. When we met them, I guess Savannah was 2 or 3. She also has two older sisters, two younger brothers and a younger sister.

When friends hurt, you hurt with them. I cannot imagine what they are facing, but God know exactly what they need, far and above anything financially or materially. Please pray for peace, comfort, strength, grace, love and healing for Savannah and her family. And pray for those that do not know the Lord, or live according to His word, may they see their need for our Lord and Savior through Savannah and her family.  

Pray without ceasing....... 

Thanks!

Be Still....

I am so honored and excited to have the opportunity to attend our Women's Retreat this coming weekend. I not only get to attend, but I also have the honor of helping. I feel so unworthy that God would use me to help with Women's Ministry. I have been preparing the music for the retreat, and as I type this tears are pouring. I asked the Lord to point me to the songs that would speak to hearts, that would go along with the theme of the retreat.... which is on

If you have followed my blog at all, you will know that my life is full, crazy busy at times, overwhelming, and that can tend to be anxious over many things. I know for sure that this is going to be for me. Weeks before Deidre told me what the theme was, God had already been giving me scripture, devotions, messages all pointing to focusing on Him, resting in Him, trusting Him. Not just physical rest (which I could most def use), but a true "touch from God" spiritual rest. Resting in who He is and not in the things of this world. Tonight as I listened, really listened to the words of some of the songs, I was still enough to get a glimpse of what is to come this weekend. He showed me that I need to prepare my heart for what He has for me between now and Friday. I will share a few of the songs that have spoken to me throughout this week. I pray you too, will take a couple minutes and be still before Him to find some rest as you allow God to use the songs to speak to you. Pray for our leader, Deidre, a precious friend and sister in Christ as she gives us what God has so graciously given her to share! I am so thankful for her!! Pray for the other women as they too get a way for a couple days to focus on our Heavenly Father.  

This is for Sis......

Sweet baby girl!

All grown up!

Dear Sis,

Oh my, where do I start?? I cannot believe that you started your sophomore year of college today. It is unbelievable to me that one day you were that precious chubby-cheeked baby and now, you are a beautiful young lady, inside and out. Oh, I have watched you grow physically and spiritually through the years, but I have to say that I still see glimpses of that shy, timid, sweet little girl with the cutest laugh and it makes my heart smile. God has truly blessed us with a compassionate loving child and I know you have heard it many times, I want to be like you when I grow up. Your Dad and I are so very proud of the woman you have become. You stand your ground, you live your faith out loud and you do not back down from what you believe in. Oh yea, there are hard days and sometimes fear can get the best of you, but you know who to call on in those tough times. And that is more than we could ever ask. That you know WHO to call on in troubling times. This summer was a bit tough for you. You faced many challenges, but girl, you have made it through strong and ready for today!!

As you begin this school year at a new school, I know you are excited, nervous, overwhelmed, and maybe a little anxious, but you said so just yesterday, that you felt excited about this and that this is going to be different than last year. You just seemed peaceful about the changes you have made. God does have a plan for you and it is up to you to follow it. Every year I see changes and challenges that help you grow stronger and more confident. I cannot wait to see what all God has in store for you!!

  

Your Daddy & I will be praying this verse over you this year, and I pray you commit it to memory and hide it in your heart so when you feel anxious, tired, lonely, overwhelmed, weak, etc you can say it over and over until God gives you the peace that only He can. 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not  

Do not fear my precious child - there is no reason to be afraid I am on your side (Psalm 118:6)

for I am with thee 

I will never leave you nor forsake you... I am with you EVERYWHERE you go. (Hebrews 13:5)

be not dismayed 

Do not be alarmed or discouraged (Joshua 1:9) 

for I am thy God

 I am the LORD thy God (Deut. 5:6)

I will strengthen thee

You can do all things through Christ which strengthens you. (Phil 4:13)

I will help thee

 I am your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness

My hand leads you, and my right hand shall hold you. Psalm (139:10)

We love you baby girl!!

Mom & Dad

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this precious child. Please keep her safe, give her peace and help her as she begins yet another chapter in her life. Continue to work in her heart so that she will glorify You in all she does. Oh Father, I pray this verse over her as she begins this semester. I pray you give her strength, help and that she will commit this to memory and to her life. Oh thank you Father for your blessings on me! Amen

Prepare My Heart

This is my prayer this week. This weekend we are going on a Youth Mission trip to West Virginia. I am so excited that I will be serving along side my husband, and my teenagers, Sis & Bub. In preparation for the trip, we have planned the weekend, made lists of what to bring or not to bring, planned menus and shopping lists and gathered donations. Sometimes I get so caught up in the details of preparing for a lesson, a retreat, camp, etc.,  that I forget that GOD has it all under control. I need not worry or fret or get uptight about any of it. So, knowing that a lot is coming up in the next few weeks (we have our kids camp in less than a month!!!) I am doing my best to give it all over to the Lord, and trying to stay focused on HIM and not the stuff.

In our pastor's message on Sunday, I was very convicted over the thought that I maybe grieving the Holy Spirit and even quenching the Holy Spirit with my busyness and my worries. It was the perfect sermon for me. If it wasn't for anyone else, it was for me!! 

I need to prepare my heart more than I need to pack my toothbrush!! This week I came back to work (from a week off) doing my best to be positive, giving things over to the Lord and focusing on Him instead of circumstances (and a full desk!). I want this weekend to be for the Lord. I want to be used by Him. I am praying that my heart will be clean before Him, so that nothing stands in the way of sharing the Love of Christ to the children and families that we will come in contact with. May we see them as God does. Please pray for our Mission Team and that each of hearts are prepared to do what God wants. May God use our youth to help change a person's life for eternity!!

Father, give me your eyes, give me your love for humanity, give me your arms for the broken hearted.  Help me to stay focused on you. Prepare hearts and minds for this weekend. Show our youth your glory! Allow them to let you work through them. May the step out of their comfort zones and do your will. Cover us with a hedge of  protection as we travel. Bring revival to this area of WV. Prepare the children's hearts to receive your love for them. I lift up Brother Harold as he does your will in JenkinJones, WV.

In Christ,