Part of the journey

I rarely take selfies, but I really wanted to share God’s blessing.

Yes, I’m holding a lamb on my lap in the car.

This little lamb is an answer to prayer.

Way before my husband was asked to apply at his current position.

Before we had any idea we would be moving back to the country.

Before I had let myself dream of country life, God had asked me what I wanted if I were to choose a home for our family.

It felt a bit odd, but I was honest.

On the list of things I wanted was property, enough to raise some livestock on.

Fast forward several months, we are here in the country on property we can raise livestock on, I’d been seeking God as to what we were to raise and where we were to get them.

The chickens were an easy answer, we ordered them.

Both my husband and myself wanted at least one dairy goat, but I couldn’t figure out which breed and just kept praying.

Then, God opened the door for me to purchase a female Toggenburg, born this year, and when she’s weaned we’ll go pick her up.

I’m buying her from friends who live nearby and have seen her several times now.

I thanked God for His answer, and then started praying for something new.

This baby goat is used to being with other goats, she wouldn’t do well without another animal.

Since my husband and I want to raise a few sheep, we began looking for ewe lambs for sale.

While working through this process, neither of us could get peace about the animals we found available.

After more prayer and discussion with Handsome, I decided to ask a member of our church who has a large sheep herd.

I spoke briefly with his wife after church a week ago, and she said she didn’t know of any ewe lambs for sale, but would ask.

“It’s too bad you didn’t ask sooner! We just got rid of all our bummer lambs!” Her sweet face was lined with regret.

I assured her God had a plan and I would just keep praying.

Imagine my surprise when my husband texted me on Friday night from a church function:

“Do you want a bummer lamb?”

I sent an instant, “Yes!”

The sweet lady from church had told her husband about my conversation with her and they ended up with a very late bummer lamb.

The gentleman spoke with my husband at church and then Handsome texted me.

We picked her up Saturday afternoon and we all are enjoying her.

I’m so blessed by God directing us, even in something so unimportant as livestock.

For it builds my faith that God is personally interested in every detail of my life.

I want to cling to God in every possible way and I’m so encouraged by how He has provided for our new addition.

God is faithful and His ways are best.

Isaiah 30:18 KJV — And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your provision. Not just with this lamb or this home, but for those things which are eternal. Lord, thank You for Your love, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, and compassion. Thank You that You are the One who gives us life and that You have a purpose for each. Thank You that You show us truth, wisdom, and the path to eternity through Your Word. Thank You for paying the price that I might be saved. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Faithful with little

Luke 19:17 NKJV — “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’

I love this story.

Jesus told this story and it’s truth is as vital today as then.

The Lord has used it as an example of what fear will do if left unchecked.

The servant who only had one pound allowed fear to keep him from using the little he had been given. (Luke 19:20-21)

Thus, in the end he lost everything. (Luke 19:24)

God has used this story to teach me the importance of faithfulness.

Each servant was given a different amount and the master called even the largest portion “very little”.

It’s not about what God places in my care, it’s about my faithfulness in how I use what He’s given.

Especially, in the small things.

The Lord reminded me of all these truths yesterday.

I was watering our bush rose, (the one in the photograph) and was suddenly struck by the tiny beauty of something so small.

Because I nearly threw this little plant out last September.

It was looking very bad, as if it’s death was imminent, but I prayed about it and felt I should not throw it away.

Instead, I took it in the house.

Where it promptly dropped nearly all it’s leaves.

Again, I prayed about throwing it away, because it was dieing.

Yet, I couldn’t get peace with that, so I gave it more attention and changed where it was located.

Then, we began to prepare to move and I asked our son to take it to a different room and be in charge of watering it, which he did very well.

When my husband brought the plant to our current home I didn’t recognize it at first.

Not only had it grown all it’s leaves back, it had new growth and buds!

It has a place in our dining room and we all enjoyed the Christmas roses, for it was on December 25 they decided to open.

All of this came to mind yesterday.

Our son was faithful in the little task of watering and his faithfulness was used to bless the whole family.

I want to be faithful in all things.

I want to hear from my Master, “well done good servant”.

May our hearts and minds be humbly submitted to our Lord Jesus that we might use the little He has given to bless His holy name.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this story, which teaches us so much. Lord, help us to be wise and to walk in Your ways. Lord, whatever little things You have placed in our care, please help us to be discerning and to use it for Your glory, not for ourselves, not for status, worthlessness, or selfish ambition. Lord, give each one of us the ability, understanding, and clarity of truth to live in faithfulness to You and Your Word and Your will. Lord, I want to hear “well done good and faithful servant”, please make me more like You each day that I might use those things You have given for Your glory. Thank You. Amen.

Just thankful

Colossians 3:15 KJV — And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Looking backwards, this verse is what my week required.

Although, I wasn’t successful in walking in peace every moment, it was certainly an opportunity to learn to be at peace and simply be thankful.

Because it’s been a challenging week.

I had a migraine from Friday evening through Monday and spent most of Monday in bed.

I was so thankful to God that I was still able to teach Jase homeschool, even though I wasn’t able to get up and do stuff.

Tuesday and Wednesday I felt so much better, but the rest of the family was struggling with illness.

Thankfully, we were able to just remain at home and rest.

Yesterday, everyone was feeling better, but it was my most challenging day.

For some reason I couldn’t get things done without interruptions and I struggled with feeling frustrated and stressed.

By dinner time I’d lost my voice and had to content myself with just resting.

Thankfully, God provided exactly what I needed, through my gracious family.

As we finish out the work week and the homeschooling for this week, I’m praising God for His faithfulness and provision.

Because the biggest test of our peace and thankfulness was the news that the house sale might not go through.

My husband and I talked and prayed and gave it to the Lord.

We acted upon the direction we felt God was leading and put it in His hands.

I specifically asked the Lord to not allow this move if it wasn’t His will, although we were looking forward to this opportunity, because we never want to be outside His leading.

Yesterday, as my husband drove home from work, he let me know God had answered and the sale should go through without any further issues.

We are very thankful.

And I have joy in knowing whatever the future holds we can “let the peace of God rule” in our hearts.

Psalm 100:1-5 NKJV — A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Dear Lord Jesus,

How great is Your faithfulness! Your mercy and grace are amazing! Lord, thank You for loving us so much. Lord, whether in need or with abundance You are there. Whether we are healthy or sick, You are there. Whether we are celebrating or mourning, You are there. Thank You. Thank You for providing Your Word and Your salvation. Lord, thank You for being all we have ever needed and walking with us daily. Lord, Your name is great and greatly to be praised. We thank You for all Your wonderous works, both the seen and the unseen. May our lives bring glory to Your name, Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 124

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, When their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, The stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters, Had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD , Who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: The snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD , Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:1‭-‬8 KJV

In the past two weeks we have had two family members visit the ER, our last daughter leave home to help family, our neighbors have a scare, and a few other “unexpected” moments.

Today, I am exhausted.

And overwhelmed by God and His love.

Through it all we have had peace.

Not always calm, but always peace.

Because our help is in the name of the LORD.

Truly, there is no security like the security our souls find in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is so good!

He is so faithful!

Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV — Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You. Your faithfulness is incredible. No matter the circumstances, You have walked us through. How my heart is overflowing with gratitude. May others see Your mighty works and praise Your holy name. Thank You, Lord for all Your faithfulness! Thank You for Your Word and Your direction. Thank You for Your blessings. May the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of You. Amen.

In the past week

Our latest furniture project.

I knew of some items on our schedule, which I wanted to pray for, but I didn’t expect our week to be what it was.

In the past seven days, our family has experienced some big things.

(Some of them I will share with you in a later post.)

It’s been a blessing to give extra time to prayer, because we’ve needed it!

My husband’s grandmother had a heart attack and at 93, we thought we were going to loss her.

I am praising the Lord for continuing to sustain her and she’s recovering.

Our truck was in the shop the entire week due to a part not coming in.

This really threw a wrench in our plans as my hubby took time off from work to get it down to the shop and spend time with his parents while in that area.

He did end up spending one night with them after all, but we had to call in a favor to get him back home.

God worked it out perfectly and we were thankful.

Our homeschool schedule has changed and Jase is finding it difficult.

I have peace that he will adjust and although it’s challenging, it will get easier with the passage of time.

Hubby was able to make some changes to our veggie garden and get the pea plant stakes up.

Jase planted the peas.

Once he turns over the soil, we will plant the beans and tomatoes.

I thank God every time I look out the bedroom window for how He’s blessed me with the back garden.

We had a furniture “moment” which we thought was going to equal days of work to sand off and start over.

But God stepped in and it turned out our expectations were off, the piece is turning out exactly as hoped, praise God!

Our friends had their baby!

We’ve been praying for this baby from the beginning.

His parents are thrilled and so are we.

We are so thankful for God’s gift and walking with them through this.

Children are such blessings, a heritage from the Lord.

A newborn baby is such a beautiful testimony of God, our Creator.

Our week has been such a testament to His faithfulness.

My heart can say with the Psalmist:

Psalm 139:13-14 NKJV — For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for all Your blessings and Your faithfulness. Lord, thank You for Your wonderous works are not one week or even one lifetime, but throughout all eternity! My mind can not even grasp that. Lord, You have again reaffirmed to me that no matter what is occurring or how things seem to be difficult or trying, You are God and I should place my trust in You and allow You to direct my steps. For great is Your faithfulness! I can’t always see it at the moment, but I know it is true. You see far more then I shall ever understand and I choose to trust You and Your Word. Thank You for this week. Lord, please continue to guide, direct, and teach me in Your ways and Your truth. Thank You. Amen.

April 27

Joshua 1:9 NKJV — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for these words to Joshua. Thank You for Your faithfulness to the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Lord, thank You for the stories of so many people, people we can learn from by reading about them in Your Word. Lord, today I humbly request Your provision. There is such great need all around. Lord, people need You and the knowledge of Your salvation. Lord Jesus, please continue to provide for each one’s needs. Help those who are walking in ways contrary to Your laws to realize it and repent. Lord, please release the captive, those in prison for their faith in You, those trapped by addiction, abuse, and lies. Lord, please shine Your Word into our hearts and minds and help us to clearly understand You and Your Word. Lord, please supply the needs, that each of us might look to You with thankful hearts daily. If there is anything which is standing in the way between us and You, please remove it. Lord, please purify us and remove the dross. Thank You for Your Word, Your faithfulness, and Your love. Lord, You are amazing and I praise Your holy name! Amen.

February 27

Today’s prayer:

Psalm 101:6 KJV — Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, love, and truth. Lord, thank You for our daily bread. Please forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lord, please provide direction and guidance, help us to walk in Your ways. Help us to hear Your voice and know Your will. Lord Jesus, we want to serve You in spirit and in truth. Let lies be cut off and done away with. Let turmoil and strife be put away. Lord, please return the prodigal, save the lost, heal the sick and hurting. Please teach us unwavering faith in You, putting all our trust and hope in You alone. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for the promise of heaven! I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Great is His faithfulness

2 Samuel 22:31 KJV — As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

No matter the obstacle, nor those details of life which seem so enormous to our perspective, God is able, faithful, and true.

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

Therefore our hearts have a choice, to trust or to fear, to obey or to rebell.

God promises to save the soul of those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, to grant grace and mercy to all those who follow Him.

Psalm 18:2 KJV — The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Thus, there is nothing to fear and no lasting suffering for those who trust in Him, but instead eternity with Christ Jesus.

Psalm 119:2 NKJV — Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!

What could possibly be better than a soul secure in Jesus?

And we can seek the Lord in all things and find direction and truth in His Word.

1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV — God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Scripture is where our hearts are taught and our trust is grown.

Great is God’s faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV — Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Let us praise God together for His incredible faithfulness!

If you are unfamiliar with this hymn it’s worth looking up.

1. “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
   There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
   Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
   As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
   • Refrain:
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Great is Thy faithfulness!
     Morning by morning new mercies I see:
     All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
     Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
   Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
   Join with all nature in manifold witness
   To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
   Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
   Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
   Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!” By Thomas O. Chisholm copied from: https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Great_Is_Thy_Faithfulness/

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness! For myself and my family, I humbly thank You. Your grace, Your mercy, Your provision, and Your truth have done so much. You have made a way in the desert. You have brought joy from sadness. You have restored that which was broken. You are sustaining us daily. Thank You! I can not say enough about all Your blessings, all Your wonderous works. You are so faithful and I can not praise You enough. Thank You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

February 14

Today’s prayer:

Psalm 146:2 NKJV — While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for being all we ever need. Lord Jesus, our lives often bring things we do not understand nor do we know how to respond. But You have ever answer. You know all that is and all that will be. Time does not hinder You. Please help each one of us to fully trust You in all we do and all we are. Lord, if there’s anything which is hindering our walk with You please show us. Please help us release all those things we cling to which are not You. Please help us walk with You in integrity and truth. Thank You for always guiding and providing. May Your name be glorified throughout the whole Earth. May our lives bring all honor, all glory, all adoration to You alone. Lord, we lift up the needy, the sick, the hurting, the innocent, the wayward and the lost. God have Your way in their lives. Thank You. Amen.

On a personal note: I pray you feel the love of Jesus Christ on this day set aside to remember those we love.❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day.

A few verses on trusting God

Sometimes the Word of God needs nothing more than to be read, to be digested, to be treasured.

This morning I wanted to share a few verses which have been a great comfort to me this past few days.

I pray they bless you as much.

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah , the Lord , is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord , call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord , For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.
Isaiah 12:2‭-‬5 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.12.2-5.NKJV

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on  You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord , is everlasting strength.
Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4 NKJV

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.41.10.NKJV

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV — For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for these words and Your Holy Scripture which is full to overflowing with truth and encouragement. Lord, please let me not sin against You, but show my errors that I might repent quickly. Lord, I do not want to have anything hinder my walk with You. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your love. Make me more like You today, please. I love You, Jesus. Amen.