A Palm Sunday miracle

Our church has adult Sunday school the hour before service.

We’ve enjoyed attending since we learned about it not long after we moved here.

The usual way to begin is to open the floor for anyone to testify to the goodness of God that week.

It was a bit quiet at first, but a few people had spoken, then one gentleman told us of his gratitude for the Lord’s protection.

His arm was in a sling and he explained that he’d hurt his shoulder trying to start the pressure washer to use at the church the next day.

His words were all encouraging, speaking about how thankful he was that he wasn’t hurt worse and asking for prayer as he’d torn his rotator cuff before.

A couple others spoke and then one man stood and said,

“We haven’t done this in a long time, but I just really feel God would have us pray for our brother’s shoulder right now, that he would come to the front and all the men would pray for him.”

He’d already spoken to our pastor about this and Pastor agreed, so within a short period of time, the man whose shoulder was hurt by the pressure washer was seated and the men surrounded him so much he disappeared from sight.

We all prayed and it was lovely.

When they were finished, I heard my name being called.

The ladies were going to pray over me!

I felt surprise and blessed, but I was totally unprepared for what took place.

One person after another prayed thanking God for my joy, the way I shined Jesus’s love to everyone, and thanking God for my ministry with signing.

Tears ran down my face as my heart was so full of gratitude.

God knows one of the things which had been difficult for me about being unable to speak was feeling hindered in my ability to share Jesus and His love to others.

I had no idea God was shining through me, but it was an answer to prayer and a testament to God, for He is not limited to work no matter what we think might be hindering us.

After they finished praying for me, we all agreed another lady who recently suffered a stroke be seated.

Then we prayed for another lady whose so crippled with age and pain she’s always doubled over unable to lift her head.

Lastly, we prayed for another gentleman whose recently heard something is wrong with his kidneys.

When we finished praying we realized that it was just a few minutes before church.

Sunday school had been all prayer this morning and we all felt it was time well used.

The faces of others reflected my own emotions of gratitude and surprise at the unexpected morning with God.

The service continued and God was so present.

I actually had to work at focusing on the words of the music, because my heart was so full.

The sermon was wonderful and our time ended with communion, which was the perfect finish to our time together.

My heart continued to swell with joy, for this Sunday was a miracle for me.

I’ve not been able to speak at our church since we moved here.

In fact, my trouble with losing my voice has been getting worse, places I used to be able to speak in have been lost.

The Lord spoke very clearly to my heart during my week about totally surrendering my voice to the Lord.

I thought I had, but the truth was revealed when the Lord asked me if I was willing to lose my ability to speak completely.

“No, Lord, I’m not, but I will. My voice belongs to You.”

To bring myself accountability, I told my husband about it all.

I’ve been working at giving the Lord my voice whenever it’s troublesome, to just be thankful when I can speak and thankful when I cannot.

The surprise wasn’t small when God gave me my voice yesterday.

I was so blessed to be able to pray aloud for the other women during Sunday school, when we closed in song, I was able to join in the singing with my voice.

Surprise and wonder were expressions common while I spoke.

Several people commented on “never hearing my voice before”.

Including our WWII veteran who sits in front of us.

He’s quite elderly and wears double hearing aids.

He smiled at me and said,

“You sure do have a beautiful voice. I love hearing it. I hope you get to keep it.”

I smiled back and replied, “Whatever the Lord wills.”

He nodded and smiled, “That’s right, whatever He wills.”

And God’s will was to let me speak all day long.

We were blessed to have friends and family over and I didn’t struggling at all.

I don’t know how long the Lord is going to grant me a voice, but I’m so thankful for His miracle this Palm Sunday.

The Lord had shown me an area I wasn’t completely surrendered in.

He revealed to me His answer to my prayers to be a light of His love even without being able to speak.

God added just an extra blessing and reminded us all that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 NKJV — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your incredible love. Thank You for answering my prayers, that I have been reflecting You even though I’ve been unable to communicate well. Lord, thank You for each of those we prayed for. Please touch them and give them exactly what is needed. Lord, let our lives be a continued testament to Your glory, Your goodness, Your ways. Lord, please help us to remember that when You walked this Earth there were those who rejected You, hated You, and even wanted to harm You, yet Your Word was truth, Your ways honorable, even Pilot couldn’t find any reason to

January 8, 2022

Today’s prayer:

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Psalms 127:3 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your gift of children. You have made such a wonderful blessing when You created mankind and set us in a family. Lord, thank You for godly fathers and godly mothers. Lord Jesus, thank You for those who love You and walk with integrity and truth, loving as You have shown us in Your Word. Thank You for those who are standing in the place of father or mother to those who are in need of such. Thank You for the older fathers and mothers who continue to be examples of integrity, truth, honor, self-sacrifice, and godliness to those younger than themselves. Lord, my heart longs for each child to be treasured and cared for as You intended. Please help the fatherless, the needy, the orphan, the abused. Please restore justice and righteousness. Lord Jesus, please teach each one of us how to walk in Your ways. Thank You. Amen.

Gift from a stranger

The Lord really blessed my heart yesterday afternoon.

Through a list of circumstances, we hadn’t eaten lunch yet, although it was well past.

We’ve been needing to go to the grocery store.

Jase and I were there with a list.

He’d written it as we drove and discussed what we should be purchasing.

Our cart had multiple items and I was heading for the last things when a stranger stopped me.

She was older with kind eyes.

Behind her mask I’m sure she was smiling.

She sat in a motorized cart in the Express Line.

Her hand waved me down and then beckoning, she requested I come near her.

As I moved closer she began rummaging in her large bag.

I couldn’t imagine what she was wanting from me, but I was feeling a bit concerned.

I couldn’t speak to her.

After a quick, silent prayer, I decided the best thing to do was to wait and listen.

I’m sure it was the Lord.

After a bit of searching, she produced the notepad and pen set pictured.

Handing it over, she happily announced,

“This is for your next trip to the grocery store.”

I took them and was filled with surprise.

“I noticed you were being followed by him with a notepad.”

She nodded towards Jase.

I smiled behind my mask, touched by this act of kindness.

I turned to Jase and signed, “Thank you”.

He translated for me.

I then signed, “God bless you.”

Upon hearing from Jase, her face lit up and she replied.

“Why! Thank you! I can always use an extra blessing.”

I signed, “Thank you” again and we walked away.

Jase was as touched as I.

We finished up our shopping.

Jase translated for me when we checked out and we left the store.

And met the same lady.

She was taking her motorized cart to return it.

I signed “Thank you” several times in an effort to let her know how much I appreciated her gift.

It wasn’t until later I realized what a valuable gift it is.

I’ve been told, deaf people always carry paper and pen to be able to communicate.

I’ve been trying to keep such things in my purse, but have had multiple times where it was lacking.

I’ve written on envelopes and receipts to in a pinch.

I’ve had to borrow other people’s pens.

It’s just not something I’m used to planning for and has caused problems.

This notebook and pen are perfect!

As I told my husband about this gift from a stranger, my heart was amazed at the goodness and faithfulness of God.

I wish I could have communicated to the lady how much her gift has blessed me.

Since that’s not an option, I have prayed for her and thanked God for how He blessed me through her generosity.

I’m also praising God with renewed awe at the way the Lord works.

Because yesterday morning I had been telling another about how faithful and good God is.

I had mentioned that I no longer have needs, but simply pray, waiting upon the Lord when something arises and He fills it.

And before the day was over, He proved again He is able through supplying something I didn’t even realize I needed.

Praise God!

Psalm 4:5 KJV — Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your faithfulness! Lord, my heart is filled with gratitude and wonder at Your provision for such a small thing. Lord, I humbly request You bless the lady who blessed me, that she would find all she needs in You. Lord, thank You for proving again to me that You care about the small details as much as the large ones. You work in ways we can not understand to bring about things we may never realize here on earth. Lord, may people be encouraged to place their trust in You no matter the circumstances. May lives be changed by Your salvation. Lord Jesus, may You be glorified such that no one can deny the truth of who You are and what You have done. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

In the middle

The last several days have been unusual for us.

Our daughter and son-in-law had a combined birthday party for our grandchildren.

Bubba turned one last week and Faye turned two in April.

It was a blessing to be able to join in their outdoor celebration.

The following day we had planned on picking up some furniture for Anne.

It was a Craigslist post. After prayer and family discussion, Anne felt she should buy the settee, rocker, and a chair.

They are all Eastlake Victorian furniture and we were happy to go get them for her.

She’s down with Grandma and hasn’t gotten to see them yet, but I know she’s going to be pleased.

In the midst of this venture to bless our daughter we got to see how God was blessing some strangers.

The couple were selling these items to help pay for their needs.

The husband had under gone back surgery three months ago and still was obviously in a great deal of pain.

They talked about all the things they were doing to make ends meet.

The furniture had been given them by an old couple who’d had it from their parents.

They’d specifically given them the furniture to sell and help them with their living expenses.

It blessed my heart to hear how God was meeting their needs in unusual ways.

I told her we’d be praying for her husband and she made sure to let me know they’d pray for my mom’s foot surgery. (I had mentioned her in explaining why Anne wasn’t with us.)

My heart was so thankful to God that this purchase was a win-win and He allowed us to be in the middle of it all.

While the furniture sits in our living room, I have an every day reminder to pray and praise.

Prayer for this couple and God’s continued provision, healing, direction, and relationship.

Prayer for others who are suffering or going through a difficult time.

Prayer for Anne and Grandma, and the road ahead.

Praise to God for His faithfulness, His provision, His wonderful works.

Philippians 4:19 KJV — But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Jesus supplied our need at Calvary and it’s truly worth praising Him for continually!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your faithfulness. Thank You for salvation. Lord, thank You for allowing us to be in the middle of You blessing others. Lord, thank You for using something small to remind me of how great You are. Your faithfulness is incredible. Your salvation is awesome, the most incredible gift ever. Lord, please continue to reach those who have yet to know You, that they might be saved and added to the flock. Lord, thank You for the wonderful ways You reach others. Thank You for Your love! May the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of You. Amen.

Blessings from God

We were so grateful for the gift of time with our family this weekend.

Of course, it went by quickly, but we enjoyed it.

The babies have grown and learned so much in the short time we’d had them last.

I was thrilled to hear our granddaughter clearly calling, “Grammy! Grammy!”.

I just don’t have enough kisses or hugs to bestow all my affection for these two little people.

One evening, we pulled out the swimming pool and I held my husband’s hand and laughed as the littles splashed themselves and each other over and over.

Jase was with us, enjoying the show as well.

Later, we placed Bubba into the backpack and I held Faye’s little hand and walked around the neighborhood.

As we were arriving back at the house, my heart was spilling over with thanksgiving for the blessings of God.

I simply don’t praise Him enough.

He has provided for our family for so long.

He has walked with us through so much.

He has been faithful and I know He will always be.

I’m especially thankful to God for children.

There’s nothing that compares to the beauty and innocence of a child.

Their need for love, protection, and guidance remind me of my need for God.

And every child is a precious gift, created by God, distinctly different from any other God has ever created.

I have been so blessed to be the mother of four and now I’m finding a whole new meaning of the word as a grandmother.

Talk about a tangible blessing!

Psalm 127:3 KJV — Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your blessings! Lord, I especially thank You for children. What wonderful gifts they are. Lord, please continue to remind me to depend completely upon You, as a small child depends on their parents. Lord, please continue to teach me to listen well, to obey quickly, and to be thankful in all things. For from You I have all I need and through You I am able to do all that is required. Thank You, Jesus! Thank You. Amen.

8th grade Promotion

I was surprised and blessed to be asked to share something at the ceremony.

The students who were promoting had been in my class years ago and I love them.

When I realized that I would not be able to attend my heart thanked God for being asked.

But God…

Another adult involved in the ceremony asked me if I’d like to write down what I wanted to share and she would stand in for me.

Talk about a blessing!

The following is what I wrote and she shared.

To begin I am deeply blessed to have the honor to send you not only my prayers, but also a word of encouragement as you take part in stepping into the road that leads to adulthood. Not many young people realize that the four years of high school are literally the last years of learning how to hone your skills, thoughts and habits, to introduce you into adulthood.

Many people use the four years of high school to live for themselves, to indoctrinate themselves into habits and activities that are not only harmful for them, but instill abuses and addictions into their future as adults.

It is my prayer for each of you that you do not follow the wide path of the world, but that instead you look to scripture and listen and most importantly apply God’s truth to the next four years of your life and continue that habit into adulthood.

With that being said I asked the Lord what verse would crystallize what His plan for each follower of Christ is, where we could find it simply and directly lined out. He led me to Micah 6:8.

Oftentimes, when a scripture is familiar we begin to disregard it’s important especially when we have grown up from childhood hearing it quoted and not really understanding how to apply it.

I know this was true with my own childhood. I didn’t understand the importance of many scriptures that I had been raised with and memorized, but as an adult the Lord began to open my understanding and to help me learn how to apply these things to my everyday. The truths, the blessings, the direction, and the very gifts of life have been granted to me through that and I’m so thankful to my parents, my teachers, and my Sunday school for having me memorize so much scripture.

With that being said, let’s look at Micah 6:8.

Micah 6:8 NKJV — He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Although these are simple words, the first thing it begins with is to show you what is good. Many things in this world try to tell you they are good, they are right, they are true, but we only find those things in God’s Word. Nowhere else is there true goodness without God. We must understand, that God is good and in Him we find goodness.

The Lord requires of us to do justly. That isn’t a sometimes thing and it’s not a when you want it. Simply and straightforwardly it tells us that we are to do right at all times.

Often people, become confused as to what is correct, right, and just. Scripture again is our guide and should always be the first place we look for answering questions.

To do justly is not an option with the believer. The follower of Christ should always look to do what is right in every circumstance, never compromising, never wavering, never being lukewarm.

Next we see that God wants us to love mercy. To truly understand that, we have to realize that it is because of His mercy that we have salvation. We can see throughout scripture times that God chooses to show His mercy to those who least deserved it. For if we all wanted to be honest, no one deserves God’s mercy. But He gives it and we need to as well. That means loving others the way God loves us, not holding bitterness or resentment. Leaving no room for offense, but choosing to love as God loves. If anyone has the right to be offended, it is our righteous God and He chooses not to. Instead He gives mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

Lastly we are to walk humbly with our God. We know through scripture that it is because of pride that Satan fell. We know that it is because of pride that Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit: she wanted to be like God. We know that throughout man’s history pride has caused people to harm others, to live selfishly, to spread abuse, pain, and injustice. And it is still wreaking havoc on the human race today. But the Bible also tells us that God resists the proud. Humility is truly something we have to work at putting on, because pride came with our sinful natures and we can hardly get away from it. Unless we are purposeful in keeping our hearts humble before God, pride will grow, hiding under a myriad of excuses.

We must realize that we are no better than any other human created, and we are far less than God Himself. Yet, He made each and every one of us in His image, in God’s likeness, and Jesus Christ died and rose again to save our souls. Those two things: being made in God’s image and being bought by the blood of Jesus Christ, makes us more valuable than we can ever imagine. Because of these things we can be humble, as well as thankful, to the Lord Almighty for His great gifts and His endless love.

It is through a truly humbled heart that we can actually find the answer to walking justly and loving mercy. It’s the final key to how we are to follow Christ daily. Surrendering our own wants and desires before Him and choosing to live for those He has placed around us every single day.

As you embark on the next 4 years, which begin right now, I pray that you will live for Jesus Christ and not for yourselves. I pray that you live for Jesus Christ and not for academics or achievements, whether it be in sports or intellectual things or even just enjoying the world that God created. Those things are good and He gave them to us, but they should never be what we live for. I pray that each of you today realizes the importance of the place in life that you are at and that you will choose to surrender each day forward into Jesus’s hands and serve Him as the bond servant that Paul spoke of in the scriptures. One who does not worry about his life, but only concern is in being an excellent servant of the Master. I love you and I thank you for this wonderful opportunity to speak into your lives. Again, I’m sorry I was unable to be there in person, but God knows what is best and I trust Him. I’m sending you each my love. God bless you.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Please bless these young people with wisdom and let their hearts be opened to Your Word. Lord, thank You for allowing me to have an opportunity to reach out to them. Thank You for the blessing of my friends. Lord, You have all things in Your hands and Your ways are perfect. I praise and thank You for all Your wonderous works. May You be glorified throughout the whole Earth. Amen.

Embracing change

Because change is good, it’s healthy.

The older I get, the more I find myself learning this truth.

As a young woman change was terrifying.

I lived in fear of bad things happening and did all I could to ward off danger.

But after living through years of loss, I learned change is healthy.

He used those years to teach me about the frailty and blessing of life.

Not to waste my time trying to avoid whatever may come (because many things are completely out of our control), but instead to invest in the day I have.

Which is why I can walk through our current changes and smile, even though my heart aches.

Our son-in-law and daughter and the grandbabies moved almost three hours away last weekend.

Our youngest daughter will move in a few weeks.

Our home will hold just three people, something we’ve not had in over twenty years.

Yes, my heart is missing them.

Yes, it’s a time of grieving a loss.

No, I’m not unhappy.

Because God is doing this and I’m so thankful for His guidance in each of their lives.

I’m practicing praise.

Praising Him for all He has given us.

Worshipping Him, so thankful He is directing their lives.

Honoring Him, because these people, who began as babies in our arms, never belonged to us, they have always been His.

I’m expectant, because although I don’t know what the future holds, I know Who is holding us.

May our lives, wherever we are, bring glory to His name.

Psalm 86:12 KJV — I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for change. Thank You for using life’s changes to shine into my heart and mind those things I would not have willingly learned otherwise. Lord, thank You for the patchwork of experiences which have brought me to this place. Thank You that You are using life to hone our hearts and help us learn dependence upon You. Lord, I rest in the knowledge that You have each of these dear people in Your hands and I thank You for all You are doing in their lives. Please continue to grow them in their walk with You. Please continue to provide for their needs and guide them in each day. Thank You for these dear people we love so much. Thank You for using them to teach me about You and Your love. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.

Some changes…

…are sad.

I came into the office this morning to get my shots.

And found, they are closing our branch.

My shot nurse is retiring.

The remaining staff is moving to the other office.

I feel like crying.

I know that sounds silly.

But these four ladies (shot nurse, doctor, nurse, and receptionist) I care about.

They were the encouraging smiles and gentle listening hearts as I began this journey with my allergy shots.

We had just moved to a new city, didn’t know anyone, didn’t have a clue where anything was and we were fairly ignorant about a great deal in this area

I remember the nurse taking my blood pressure and telling how to find Walmart.

The doctor (before the virus) telling me it was okay to bring both my kids and our grandbaby to my appointment, because I just didn’t feel comfortable leaving them home.

I remember the ladies’ sweet comments about our baby granddaughter, as we all came to the office for my shots.

Then, after the virus, the care continued in asking to see pictures of our granddaughter, then of our grandson.

Discussions with the receptionist as we both had highschool children.

One time I shared my favorite Youtube link about crocheting.

And many other little moments which have been a blessing.

They have made this time a joy and something to look forward to.

Especially nice, as I rarely go anywhere.

I’m praying for each of these ladies and the changes they are all making.

Although, I’m sad, I know change is part of life and oftentimes a blessing.

Change helps us to value the things we have.

Like today, I am so thankful for the past year and a half with these ladies.

I’m praising God for His provision of what I have had.

No matter what this change brings, I’m thankful.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your blessings. Thank You for the medical professionals who step beyond treatment and into caring for each individual. Thank You for the courage to continue to get up each day and work to help others. Please bless those who are serving. Please shine Your love to them and through them. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

The joys of silence

Although we normally stay home in the morning and homeschool, I felt it best to run to the store early.

Later in the day more people are out and it means everything takes longer.

First, I drove us to the nursery.

I want to plant a few shrubs along the fence and I only have one.

Maybe it was the pollen, maybe it was because my asthma has been kicked up, but whatever the reason my voice disappeared at the garden center.

Jase was with me and I was signing to him.

I couldn’t find the plants, they were not where they’d been.

Finally, I decided to ask someone.

I was a bit nervous as to how this was going to work, because Jase was struggling with reading my sign.

When we walked over and stood quietly nearby the worker, I prayed.

She finished what she was doing and turned to help.

I signed and Jase said what I was saying right up to the plant name.

Most names you have to finger spell and I did.

Jase simply read each letter as I spelled it and I was so thankful the lady listening was able to catch the name.

It was an answer to prayer, because I had no idea what else to do other than spell the name.

I’d forgotten my paper and pencil, so I couldn’t write it down.

(I will be asking the Lord to remind me the next time!)

The worker explained why I couldn’t find them, they were sold out.

Thankfully they are getting more in about a week.

We’d barely arrived home when Sis dropped in.

She needed to run to Home Depot and asked if I wanted to ride along.

I was happy to, although I still couldn’t talk.

Jase had school work he could do without me, so I hopped in.

As she drove I signed and we had a nice conversation.

She smiled at the stop light and said, “When I was part of the Deaf Bible Study I kept wondering why God would have me learn sign.”

“I thought maybe we would have a deaf child. I never thought I’d need it for you.”

I smiled back and signed to her how much I appreciate her knowing sign so I can converse.

We got to the store and put the babies into the cart.

As we shopped I continued to sign about the plants or other things.

Sis needed a new bathroom sink and vanity.

It was in the midst of looking them over that I looked at our granddaughter.

Her eyes were fixed on mine and I realized:

She was signing to me!

We’ve been teaching her signs along with words.

She had been watching me sign to her Mommy and wanted to be part of the conversation.

My heart overflowed!

What a precious gift!

Our family has learned and is continuing to learn a second language because of my silence.

I noticed a few people’s surprise at watching me sign to our granddaughter.

It just added to the joy.

Truly, the struggles and difficulties which life can bring God will use for good if we will surrender ourselves completely before Him.

Yesterday, was another precious reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Watching our little grandbaby carefully signing: “Yes, flowers, yes!”

She liked the plants I had placed in the cart next to her.

Proverbs 17:6 KJV — Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your Word and Your goodness. Thank You for my family, who cares so much for me. Thank You for ASL and for teaching our family. Lord, thank You for the previous moments yesterday. Thank You that each day holds blessings from You. Please help me to be aware and thankful. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Good Saturday morning

As a child I loved Saturday mornings.

I’d run from my room to the giant pillow in front of the TV and watch cartoons.

The afternoons always seemed a let down.

For some reason they were a lot less enjoyable than any other day of the week, but upon reflection it probably had to do with my perspective.

What was there to look forward to after the cartoons were over?

I love that adulthood has brought a clearer perspective.

I still enjoy Saturdays, but my joy comes from something much more satisfying.

It comes from extra time with the Lord and my family.

Some Saturdays are busier than others, but most of the tasks focus around things we do as a family.

None of us “rush” our morning unless the schedule requires it.

Often, it’s the day we get in the most talking.

Personally, I try to carve out extra time in prayer as well.

I no longer look at Saturday as my moment of self-interest, but instead as an opportunity for building.

It’s a chance to build relationships.

No matter the schedule, the expectations, nor the duties, I pray you are able to spend some of your Saturday enjoying the blessings of the Lord and building upon your relationships.

Especially with one which is most important.

After all, life is constantly changing, but Jesus is forever.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this beautiful morning. Lord, I do not know what today holds, but I know Who holds me in today. Please continue to polish my heart to be more like You. Please fill me with Your Word and help me to see Your truth. Lord Jesus, thank You for so many blessings. Thank You for our family and another day to praise You. Thank You for sustaining us and providing for us. Thank You for loving us always. I love You, Jesus. Amen.