Leap Day of Faith

Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom."


February is the shortest month, only 28 days. Wow! What just happened? I just packed up my Christmas stuff!  March sweeps in to cheer us and bless us after we were loved on by February.

---and all those mattress sales for President's Day!   

Time flies, an idiom all too many of us can relate to.  

We've been given a gift this year; February of 2020 is a Leap Year. An extra day is added to the calendar "to slow down and synchronize the calendar year with the seasons. Leap days were first added to the Julian Calendar in 46 B.C. by Julius Caesar at the advice of Sosigenes, an Alexandrian astronomer." (Earthsky.org). 

As I walked outside tonight, thoughtful and prayerful, but yet still leaving to run an errand, busyness--I paused in awe of the heavens and all its glory. 

That is the juxtaposing moments of life: moving, checking things off real or virtual lists, preparing, working and then relaxing, pondering, being entertained. You know your own day, the planned and sometimes the unplanned. 

The Psalmist asks the Father first, to teach us. We make time in our schedule where we sit under the anointed sharing and applying of His Word. God set aside the Sabbath day, or for most, Sundays for corporate worship. Spending  time with God in my morning drive, in my afternoon conversations and in my evening prayers as well as being reminded of truth in His word is essential for me in my everyday commitment to grow and know Him. Yet, there are those days... 

I pray to be teachable everyday, to be in His Word so that I can have that wisdom in my heart when I need it, when time stands still, when time runs out, when time isn't an option. 

Then the Psalmist says..."teach me to number my days." Well, don't we do this with a calendar, now on our phones and readily available? The Psalmist seems to know and in his wisdom is asking God to help him make the best out of each day, for he knows his time is short as compared to eternity. 

In Psalm 39:4 it states it this way, "Lord, make me know my end and what is the extent of my days. Let me know how transient I am." 

If the calendar gave us one extra day this month, sort of like "more time," I'd hope to use it to better myself, gain more wisdom, recognize my weak, transient ways and more importantly, where my everyday strength comes from. In other words, an extra day to give Him praise and seek His will. 

"If I just had one more day..." 

Think how you might end that sentence. We cannot live victoriously in Christ with regrets. Jesus Christ, on that one day ordained for Him to die and on the third day promised and fulfilled that promise when He conquered all of time and eternity, rising from the dead. He gave us a gift of eternity free from regrets. If we recognize and ponder on this marvelous gift, how much of our time is spent in wanting to know Him more and do His will, give Him the praise He so deserves? How much of our time is wasted? 

Lord, time is fleeting. Our days are numbered. Moments are precious with loved ones and friends. Sometimes, I feel I am in catch-up mode for those times wasted. Lord, I know that You can do exponential things in a heart that humbly submits and seeks Your goodness. You redeem all our days! Lord, help us all to take a "Leap of Faith" and lay down some of our busyness, our apathy and our self-righteous attitudes that we just "don't have time." A sacrificial heart is one You delight in. May my days reflect Your goodness and grace in each day You have given me to make Your Name known.Thank You for my hard days and my glory days, Lord, for both, teach me Your wisdom and empower me with Your strength as my days draw nearer to seeing You, face to face. Amen. 

Morning Glory 

My Foolish First Response to a First Responder

Proverbs 14:7 Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge.

I laughed when I realized what he was saying, what I was thinking, the seriousness of it as well as the silliness of it, juxtaposed.

A dear friend who happens to be a firefighter saw a post on Facebook, one from a few days ago, on my page. Posting about a garland of pearls on my bare Christmas tree, he became alarmed...that this tree remained up in my house, that it was highly combustible.

But when I read the text, I thought he was texting about the pearls...I thought he meant the PEARLS were a danger!

What?  Pearls?
(In my defense, I was in class and maybe not fully reading my message).

Pearls strung in my artificial Christmas tree. 

In total humbleness...I was a fool, a bit sloppy in my reading and interpretation.

"Did you guys know pearls are highly combustible?" (Yes, I actually started a conversation--the foolishness continued).

"Please tell me your tree is artificial," the next text alerting me.

I read my phone again and laughed out loud at myself,  texting him back.

"Yes, my tree is fake and so are the pearls, no need to worry, my friend.

But you may need to worry about me.

"Never mind, pearls are good, both fake ones and real ones!"

My co workers can rest easy now, I am sure.  

I am thankful for wise friends, firefighting concerned friends who love me, because it's what they do and co-workers who laugh and give grace right along with me because--that is what we do.

My artificial Christmas tree is still up and I plan to decorate it for Valentine's Day soon, a garland of pearls hidden among the sparkly hearts and pink butterflies, the rose buds and the teddy bears with outstretched arms for hugs and the last few cards received from my sons, tucked in among the branches. That is not artificial.

My Valentines tree from a past year. 

How often do we trust, rely on the misinterpretations, contemplate the words of a fool, and dwell on our own silly or even serious mistakes--and miss the grace and the wisdom that God lovingly and mercifully gives us?

Lord, how thankful I am to have friends who speak truth into my life. You give us protection and grace within the body of Christ. Like sparkly hearts, wisdom and accountability touch us and like garland, wrap around us. These things are the real deal! May I have the ability to give myself grace when I don't see things as I should and give others the same grace. Help us Lord to seek wisdom and rid ourselves of foolish ways. Lord, some of us need to take a second look and take back a few foolish words and ideas we think and say. Sometimes, we just need to laugh at ourselves and move on. In that obedience, you turn our folly into wisdom, a gift to help others. Father God, lead us in this world, to not be so combustible but discerning and careful. Thank you Lord, for grace given, real concern from friends--our own First Responders in life. 

A Shepherd and the Sheep

Psalm 78:72 "So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands." 


I wouldn't be where I am in my journey with the Lord without people in my life who have shepherded me. I am truly humbled and in awe of the many strong mentors whose transparency and giftedness are used of the Lord to strengthen others. Their faithfulness and leadership move obstacles of uncertainty out of the way so others can get a vision of their own potential the Lord has destined. In their pursuit of the lost, the weak and wandering caught in traps, those in the wrong pastures, hungry but not feeding properly, scared...love surfaces and draws the sheep together. I for one, have been drawn back to the fold after stumbles and wanderings by the direction of the Holy Spirit through these earthly shepherds. When we know our gift and use it for His glory, many are nurtured into a greater faith. This becomes a domino-like effect. God smiles on his shepherds. 

Shepherds search and find, strengthen, guide, rescue, speak wisdom and redirect, nourish, and encourage. Little wayward sheep begin to grow, begin to trust and believe in the good of being a part of something bigger. 

As a child of God, The Good Shepherd is our example. He offered up His very life, conquered death and gave us that same power, to overcome! 

Over the last, almost 10 years, I've seen my own role gradually change to one constantly in need of shepherding by the saints, to one who shepherds, taking on a few leaderships roles amongst my own flock of fellow sheep. God is good and what I continue to learn about myself, what God is capable of changing in someone and building up in someone is truly an amazing transformation. The tangible application of serving in leadership roles guided by skilled shepherds within the Body of Christ has blessed my soul and filled me with purpose. 

I can trust in Him, that He sees the bigger picture even when we can't see to tomorrow, next week, next month or next season. 

As a "sheep," I've hung on that cliff of doubt and fear, trampled through the tumbleweeds of disappointment, "bleated"out to a point where God's voice disappeared because of my own agenda and needs. Shepherded by many skilled hands and tender hearts, given a chance by a shepherd to lead, God has shone Himself in many amazing grace moments and built-up a confidence in me, not of myself, but all that God can and has done through me. 

We come to rely on these shepherds in our life; their wisdom and strength, passion and stability, skillful hands and hearts beating to the same beat. 

Sometimes things happen. Life is fluid, moving and rushing ahead. Change is inevitable and when it is hard for both the shepherd and the sheep, we are reminded that our strength and hope is found in the Lord, our Eternal Shepherd. 

Sometimes the adjusting and change may take an earthly shepherd to a different pasture.  We have to remember always, THE SHEPHERD and that His plans are not ours. His plans are always, always good. This is a time when the enemy, like wolves on a bluff, can sneak in and ravage the flock. Our job as His sheep, is to continue to lead the lost towards His Light, to love and support each other and PRAY, for the integrity of our hearts and the use of our own skillful hands God has so richly blessed us with. Let us pray for those who so generously and faithfully have shepherded us and continue to do that in and through the things God has set before us. We are His Church, His hands and feet and I believe we are more than conquerors. 

God is our God through all of it and He remains the same. 

Lord, I write this for a burden on my heart, one You know Lord. Please guide me in Your ways, praying ever more diligently for those in leadership-shepherding places, to be encouraging and  accountable and filled with integrity. Keep the wolves at bay and the sheep from harm. May our skillful and willing hands be more than able and adaptable. We pray for all the shepherds in our lives who have guided and believed in us, sometimes when we didn't believe ourselves. Give them Your peace Lord that surpasses all understanding. We give You praise for allowing us to grow through change and serve You because of strong leadership in our lives. I pray for Your sovereign will through our efforts of leading and shepherding to make You known. We are not limited, but limitless through You Lord! Be near us Lord Jesus, our Lord and our Shepherd, Amen. 

Commencement Speech

James 3:17 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy."

Can you hear it? Pomp and Circumstance, learned and practiced for many years by orchestras everywhere, bellows itself out into anticipatory crowds of anxious and somewhat relieved parents. They sit, with all the extended family, awaiting their offspring's march to the stage and listening for the calling out of their full and complete name --on the receiving end, a high school diploma.

But it's not the end,  as we know so well.  It is the beginning of dreams and goals, of adulthood and  responsibility, of passion and heartbreak, of moving out and breaking off, of signing up and heading out, traveling, exploring and innovating.

What is it we wish most for this new batch of young idealists?

Purity. Culture bombards us every nano-second. The flat screens decorate almost every social gathering place. The ear buds hang from anatomy, the smart phone and social media... well, you know. Every one's opinion is broadcast, twittered, posted. Freedom of speech is an awesome privilege, don't misunderstand me. Are we so engaged in other's views that time is not spent in hearing and knowing our own thoughts?  Nothing seems private any more. How does one keep themselves pure,  uncompromised, steadfast and grounded?

 Wisdom desires Discipline. Wisdom honors Righteousness. 

Wisdom knows Grace. 

Peaceful. To be full of peace, one must not dwell on controversy, on decisions, on pet peeves and unmet expectations, on hypotheticals and tomorrow's issues. Definitely, don't watch the evening news or get involved in politics. How can we keep the peace, live in the world but not be of the world and strive to make a difference? Seems impossible, for planning ahead is a part of wise decisions. God did not create us to stay inside the cocoon. Peace comes from confidence and knowing what we believe in is greater and sovereign. With God, nothing is impossible. It is a learning lifestyle captured with continous prayer, and celebrating the Giver of Peace.

Wisdom seeks Trust. 

Gentle. Words sometimes are brash, harsh, wounding. The lack of words hurts deep as well. Gentleness is polite, respectful of self and others. Gentlemen and Gentlewomen smooth out the wrinkles, blot away at the stains, and clear the rubble with their smile, helping hands and controlled speech. Gentleness has others, their neighbors on their mind.

Wisdom covets Compassion.

Reasonable. To be reasonable is to be selfless, to know our agenda doesn't have to win out always. Reason has perspective and willingness to look at all sides. Reason does the research. Reason listens. Reason is why;  it's the times we just don't know. Reason is patient. Reason waits. We are the Reason.

Wisdom uses Understanding. 

Full of Mercy and Good Fruits. What is left in the wake? Encouragement and empathy comes alongside another and bolsters one up. Passion produces productivity towards positive change where before, hope had no meaning. A branch is pruned and the buds of spring produce fruit that feeds a village. Leaders develop new leaders, seeds of a lasting legacy.

Wisdom creates Inspiration.

Unwavering, without hypocrisy. No one is perfect. without mistakes, without some regrets, how can we learn? Forgiveness, front and center, the Lord above is full of Grace. Trustworthiness, Compassion, Understanding and Inspiration; may His Light become bright and shine upon the roads ahead. What do we want for our graduates? To be true to themselves and true to one another, to find Grace, find their own Spark in His Plan.  

Wisdom reflects Integrity.  

Solomon, the most wise among wise men wrote in the Book of Proverbs (9:10), "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." For this senior class, my hope for you is Godly wisdom and in that you may receive, grace, trust, compassion for others, understanding, inspiration and a life full of integrity. Whatever your path, with these traits, your legacy will make an ETERNAL difference and I am celebrating all the possibilities God places now before you.

Dear Lord, lead these young adults through the desert of uncertainty and into the promised land of your sovereign grace and will. May new leadership with a heart towards Your plan rise above and make You known. Keep them grounded in Your Word, surrounded by accountability by their peers and prayer warriors of the faith of their fathers as they develop their own story, chapters of Your wise counsel. Thank you Lord for the energy of our youth and the big world you've put before them. Help us not to give up when we see the deterioration of culture, but pray for these dear ones that seek to do Your Will, to make a positive difference in this world. May integrity of heart and soul give them strength for all their days ahead. Thank you Lord, Amen.

Prep Time

Isaiah 40:3  A voice of one is calling: "In the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for God."

My son and I, working late into a Friday night, prepare the fruits, lay out the fish, chop up the onions to make cive'che, and continue to prepare for a big fish fry fundraiser planned for tomorrow evening. 

I went shopping. Setting things in order, scraps quickly go in the garbage. I wash dishes and put things away, leaving space, making the way clear for his handiwork with a knife.

Without proper preparation, chaos in the kitchen and a less than satisfactory result could be our outcome.   

Corey set me up with the task of  rolling the limes, slicing and squeezing. Who would know that these little gems of deliciousness together, supply so much juice?

I am following my son's lead, as he has done this before. 

When I shared the event with a friend today, she surprised me by asking if I needed plates and napkins; she would gladly drop them off in the morning for our event. What a blessing! 

Earlier preparation included extensive advertising and of course, several fishing trips to supply and inspire our event. 

We anticipate a fun and successful day. 

Have you prepared your heart for what God wants you to hear--what He wants to stir up in your walk with Him? 

Some of us need more prep time than others.  We don't see the clutter, the garbage in the way. 

Things remain frozen and what we've "caught"...we don't know what to do with. 

Maybe you've "left things out on the counter," always with a good intention, but how things spoil fast!  

Sometimes it takes someone whose experience teaches us how to take a step, encourage us in the right ways to prepare. We begin to read His Word and study to learn, spend more time in prayer, actually attend church and get involved. 

Other times, a blessing comes unexpectedly and we see the goodness of the Lord. It makes us yearn for more. Gratefulness prepares us again into humbleness and to recognize more of His grace.  

When He's touched us,  inspired by the Holy Spirit to grow, sharing comes natural and with God, we boldly tell our story and  anticipate with joy, all He has prepared for us. 

Jesus, He's all about preparation: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

Clear what clutters, lay out your purchased heart before Him.  Allow Him to make you into a "gem of deliciousness," prepared to receive and serve all His goodness. 

Lord, thank you that you lead us into preparation for all you have for us. You show us, when we humble ourselves before you, where the clutter lies. You gather it and discard it, clearing the way for us to receive abundant life. The results are a bounty of Your goodness and wisdom from Your Word that continues to prepare us to walk everyday in Your light. What You prepare for us--indescribable!  Amen. 

"You Know What They Say About Assuming..."

Proverbs 4:13 "Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life." 


This week, I found myself assuming. Even when I got called out on something I missed, I still assumed...(or maybe hoped) that someone might find pity in my predicament and let me slide. 

What made me think that I possibly might be an exception?  

I didn't read instructions. I didn't take care of business and I moved forward as if...

as if my good intentions, as if my desire, as if I deserved a reward, as if I was special...

My disregard caused my husband a disappointment as well. 

Bummer! 

This wasn't anything too serious,  just something to learn from for next time, be humbled and smile at my lack of attentiveness. 

The irony of this whole business?  My husband pointed it out, the one who misses the details in such things and tends not to be the best organized at times.  Really?   

We made lemonade from sour lemons.  Ted scooped a big tablespoon of grace to sweeten the evening and all is forgiven.

The lesson learned: Instructions matter!  Assuming...?  Not an option. Taking time for the details and making connections the way things are purposed?   Well there is a reason for that.  

It's order vs. chaos.

Right vs. wrong.

Stress vs. calm.

Truth vs. false notions.

Saving vs. wasting 

Fulfillment vs. disappointment.

Heaven vs. separation from God. 

A little of my time would have made a big difference in our evening. Taking time with the Lord to seek His perfect Will means eternity...and that is time well spent! 

Jesus taught an important lesson in the book of Matthew. Some will do Facetime with the Lord, and find that their assumptions were not correct. God instructions, written in blood cannot be changed. Some never took in the whole truth, only gleaned bits of it. They did their own thing, assumed their  good intentions and good works were the requirements for eternity.

Matthew 7: 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 

22: Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons and in Your name perform many miracles?' 

23: "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."

Lord,  I am sure, this might happen to me again. I might miss something,  assume I know. In my stubborn, busy, human condition, I must seek the truth and humbly be obedient to Your Word and Your call on my life. In this crazy world, it is not good to assume anything anymore. What I can know is that You love me, all things work together for Your good, and that You, as my Designer, wrote the  instructions for my life.  Help me Lord to take the time to listen to Your every Word and trust that You work out all the details, making my life sweet lemonade from the sourness of self. Thank you for Your grace, Amen. 

"Praying Through"

Deuteronomy 31:8a And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you...

Have you ever had one of those weeks when you've received certain scriptures from the Lord, but you really didn't see the connection until a prayer was answered?  Suddenly, you recognize not only the puzzle pieces of scripture,  but how they were being pieced together within your prayers.

Without details here, let's just say I am earnestly praying for my beloved son. Some things are given, some things are taken away and some things GET in the way of sound judgment; discarded.  Anger,  impulsivness and may I add a little arrogance, are not good companions for our emotional health. I've certainly had my share of days like that. Life is learning, growing, making a few bad choices and making some better choices.

I knew I couldn't fix this one, didn't really want to. This decision he made as an adult, he'd have to live with. That didn't mean though, that I did not intervene spiritually. I've never stopped praying. I never will.

Random scriptures stopped me this week, ones I pondered over, prayed over and posted on my Facebook wall.

MONDAY: Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no delight in them."

and in this verse, I prayed.

TUESDAY: Proverbs 18:12 "Before destruction, the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor."

...and in this verse I prayed again

WEDNESDAY I Timothy 4:12 "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Praying Lord, for a softened heart...

THURSDAY:  This day, I posted a picture of my son when he was a baby, helping his dad out. The caption I put, though silly at the time, turned out to be very prophetic, and an exclamation point to an answered prayer later on that evening. My son received a restoration, finding his own humbleness to redeem what he disregarded and lost.  

It was quiet evident that God is hearing my prayers and working on my son's heart in His own way and in His own timing.  I know, I recognize through the scriptures God gave me this week, the wisdom words to pray over, to pray through.

...and I pray my son will someday see the evidence before him and the beautiful puzzle pieces of love and purpose God has for him too. 

Praying through scripture is powerful. God's Word is Truth. 

Lord, thank you for giving me these powerful scriptures this week in which to focus my prayers and my heart towards the things that concern me for my loved ones. The gift of the Holy Scriptures coupled with The Holy Spirit gives insight into how to be, how to live, how to love, and how to pray. I am grateful and thankful for this wisdom which brings me  the promise, that a heart will be restored as well. 

Amen. 

Wisdom, Yes, There is an App for That!

Proverbs 8:17 "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." 

Wisdom. It's knowing the right thing to do and/or say at the right time and pleasing God as you do it. Wouldn't it be great if there was an app for that?

Well,  actually there is. It's called God's Word, The Holy Scriptures, The Bible.

In Proverbs Chapter 8, all the downloadable info and instructions are there.

Wisdom is omnipresent. Wherever our spiritual soul dwells,

...the highest mountain
                                    ...a crossroad, freeway
                                                                       ...our living rooms and kitchens
                                             
Wherever out paths take us,
                                            ...a city council meeting,
                                                                                  ... a doctor's office,
                                                                                                                 ...a coffee house
Wisdom is for all men, for men to teach to their sons.

There is no virus in God's wisdom. It is not crooked or preverted.

Some may try to buy wisdom, but silver and gold to not equate with it's value.

Wisdom does not sit at the same table as pride, arrogance, evil and ugly, mean words.

Wisdom hangs out with discretion and knowledge. (That's praying and studying).

Wisdom is powerful, yet understanding,
                                                             rich yet righteous,
                                                                                          honorable and just.

Wisdom watched and applauded as the heavens and earth whirled together at God's commanding breath. Like a construction site Superintendant, Wisdom oversaw the building of the foundations of creation,the depths of the sea, the rising up of the pillars of mountains, the rooftop skies above and the flowing rivers that sustain life.

Wisdom rejoiced in all Creation.  

Wisdom knows who loves, who seeks after Him, and those who are diligent...
Those who are humble, who are true...

WILL FIND ME!

"Listen, says Wisdom. Keep my Ways, He instructs. Do not neglect Me. Watch for me. I hang out where you can find me. Are you looking in the right places? Are you only going so far where you are comfortable, set in a routine, afraid you may have to give something up to get me?

Maybe so.

But in return, this is what I give you...
                                                            LIFE!

If I am not what you seek, I'm afraid your injuries become fatal."


Lord, every minute of every day, decisions in life affect us. To have the promise of Godly discernment, counsel and wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit. I seek Your wisdom and I ask that you provide a generous portion in these times. Lead me to the righteousness of your Word and inscribe onto my heart Your Truth. I long to do the right thing at the right time and above all else, please You, my Lord and my Savior. Amen.
                                   
                                 

"Put Another Candle On the Birthday Cake"

Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to thee a heart of wisdom."

 Today, is my birthday.  I'm one year short of the big 6-0, holding the line at 59!  (oh, that ryhmes!) Has it been a memorable year?  What gifts have I received? What wisdom have I gained?

Corey left the nest. Momma bird keeps an eagle eye and sometimes squacks at the flight pattern he chooses, but I continue to bow my head and give him over to You Lord, trusting that my faithfulness in prayer will not return void.

"Keep flapping those wings Core.  Mama bird loves you!"

Two road trips further bonded my sister and I to family, some long since dust and others with hearts that still beat to the same song; blood that remembers and treasures.  Grace met us on those trips and guided us on the trails, sang along and answered the call..."Are we there yet?"

"Not quiet, but I'm still showing you the way."

Story time. My time. A platform arose for my authentic self, my vulnerability, my storms of life to be shared. So, I wrote and then I stepped out, well, sat in front of "the land of the living" and spoke of those things, those words written in journal pages, the loss, the grief, the healing. And it was good.

 "I would have despaired..."(Psalm 27) yet God...

New faces sat around our writer's table.  Aspired to inspire. Submissions turn into hard copies and Celebration carries us through the fall and beyond.

Walking for NephCure. Saving kidneys, Saving lives. "Savior, you can move the mountains, for you are mighty to save."

A wondering warrior of a husband perserveres. Music invites him to praise, carries him along the roads. I am never alone. Whispered words of wisdom in nightime scriptures and butterfly friends keep me accountable, engaged, hopeful.

New friends...Oh the new friends! God's wisdom abounds in walks and talks and sharing and caring and laughter and status postings and picture sharing.  Thank you God!

Old friends, same year of birth (or close anyways), my jewels. (cell phone lights up as I'm writing this and a precious gem who lives in Boston is calling me, just opened her card--Blessed). Wisdom now gathers and encourages (and talks a lot!)  It's not singular.

Chaotic world numbers it's days. July 20, Aurora, Sept. 11, Benghazi, Dec. 14, Newtown, April 15, Boston.  I DO despair...but my hope remains in You Lord.

God speaks and directs me to lead. I jump in, feet first. They come, wanting more of you in fellowship  You give us All of You.  (Thank you three special ladies for joining me).

Ruth returned empty to be filled. Her twilight days redeemed;  her legacy brings forth the promised Messiah.

Here's my sandle Lord, I await your Harvest for You are bountiful; beauty from the ashes.  (Ruth 4).

Father God, thank you for your grace that fills each of my hours with hope for this year, with purpose for the next.  May each day you've numbered for me bring you glory until my days are complete. I am grateful and thankful for this year, and may wisdom be gleaned from the fields and planted anew for Your continuing Harvest. Amen.