Devot. Loneliness

 Hi Folks,

I hope everyone has had a good week!  

Below is a devotional I found last week and the Lord strongly impressed on my heart to post, so I am obeying.   

I pray it is a blessing to  you, or useful for you to comfort someone else with.  

Have a blessed weekend! 

Double Take: Loneliness 

https://www.intouch.org/read/features/double-take-loneliness

(Used by permission. Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)

Samson Airing on 6/3!

 Dear Friends,

I always wanted to pass on this unique streaming opportunity.

Sight and Sound has been a favorite media outlet since I was a child.  I have been blessed to see some live productions in the past but have also greatly enjoyed them 

via dvd as well.  

Through the summer, S and S will be a hosting a special  "Pay What you Want" on Friday evenings where you pay what you can afford for your "ticket" and watch what will be streaming!   

I have yet to see Samson, but S and S brings the Bible to life in an exciting way through a live cast, animals,  incredible music and costumes and professional acting, it's also an attention keeper for the kids!  

Hope you will consider this for a family movie time this Friday night,  know you will love it!

If you need any help, I found these two helpful links:

https://www.sight-sound.tv/help

https://www.sight-sound.tv/contact/support

A Special Pay-What-You-Want Event  Known as the original superhero, Samson can defeat entire armies and slay mighty lions with his bare hands. But there's a secret behind his superpower. Chosen by God from birth, he’s been given superhuman strength — as long as he follows the rules. And that’s where the trouble begins.  Experience every emotional peak and valley of this unforgettable, epic story as SAMSON streams exclusively on Sight & Sound TV this Friday – June 4th at 8 pm ET!

Walls Will Fall... ...And so will actors! Get an inside look at what it takes as the cast prepares for Samson’s biggest battles. Packed full of perfectly timed fight choreography, SAMSON is an action packed adventure the whole family will enjoy!

Let the Storytelling Continue You’re just one click away from everything Sight & Sound TV has to offer! Bring down the house with SAMSON, dive deep with JONAH, and part the Red Sea with MOSES. From endless encore performances of your favorite Sight & Sound shows to a front row seat for every First Friday event, the Sight & Sound TV Season Pass is your way to bring the Bible to life today. Sign up now for a Sight & Sound experience wherever you are in the world!

© 2021 Sight & Sound Theatres. All Rights Reserved.

Devot. Memorial Day

 HI Folks,

I hope you had a very blessed day with family and friends!!  

As we close out this Memorial Day, please remember to say a prayer for military families-those who have loved ones serving,  and those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

I remember reading an article by a military mom a few years ago.  She said that while most families use this day for picnics, barbecues and fireworks, this is a day for military families to mourn, to remember those they have loved and lost. 

I saw a Facebook post over the weekend with a quote similar to what I said above, that Memorial Day is not about picnics and fireworks, but the essence is remembering those who have lost their lives in order that we might be free. With the quote it had pictures of men and women, standing, kneeling and on the ground in a fetal position by grave markers as they cried over the loss of a military loved one.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”

It was a poignant reminder for me..... May we remember and pass that reminder onto the young ones in our lives....

So please join me in lifting up a prayer for these special families this week, as I'm sure today and this week will not be easy for them....

Below is a Memorial Day devot. and a song for you...

I pray you have a blessed day and week!

Scriptures for Your Memorial Day:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/a-memorial-day-weekend-scripture?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210530ScripturesforYourMemorialDayWeekendArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List. 

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

A Song with a Good Patriotic Reminder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD-aXtcUEOs

Devot. You Are Not Alone

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a good weekend!  

I was thinking today of those I know and care about who are struggling in various ways-whether with serious health issues themselves or those they love or other issues of the heart.  I was reflecting that we all have days, weeks, months when we are not 'OK' and you know?? That is ok......God knows your struggle, you are not alone even if you feel like it.  He promises to be with us and never leave, "For He Himself (God Himself!) has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

The Lord knows your heart better than you do, He is there when you are ready to un-burden on Him, He can handle it as well and it is ok to be real with Him and those around you who care about you.  

I pray that the devot. below 'hits the spot' for you or it would be timely to pass onto someone you know who could use a word from God to boost their week.  

Lord bless and keep you! 

You Are Not Alone:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2021-03-27?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202021-03-27&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

 "God sometimes takes us into troubled waters, not to drown us but to cleanse us"  (Toby Mac #speaklife)

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."  Isaiah 43:2

Devot. Mother's Day

    Hello Folks

I hope you had a good week!  

I was reflecting the last few days on how much a mother does-how much responsibility she has,  has much she does to keep her home running, family well taken care of, kids educated, and how much she gives up (of time, sleep,  self care, time to herself, patience).  You ladies really give of yourselves!  

I was also thinking of the spiritual impact a mom can have on her kids.   There is a story in the NT of a young man named Timothy.  He became an incredible, godly man and preacher to one of the early churches.  His decision to accept Jesus as Savior and his sincere  faith in Him is credited to his grandmother and mother coming to Christ first and then sharing that with him-they made an eternal difference in his life! (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+tim.+1%3A5&version=NKJV)

I can think of the godly influence of my own mom.  One memory stands out from my teen years that I will forever remember : Waking up early one morning to find my mom praying and reading her Bible in her room, as the sun streamed down on her.   What an example she has consistently set for me of making daily time with Jesus!

So whether you are a biological, adoptive, foster care or 'spiritual mom', biological or adoptive 'auntie', 'sister' or mentor, each of you ladies can make a tremendous spiritual impact for Jesus on the life of someone around you and you are celebrated and greatly appreciated this weekend!

I have a variety of devots. below for the ladies to choose from and I would say the last 2 could be for you guys as you learn how to pray for the ladies who are in your life.  

Lord bless each of you ladies this week!

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Prov. 30:31

Arise and Called Her Blessed: (LOVED this one!!)

https://www.icr.org/article/arise-call-her-blessed

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.icr.org/)

(Devots. below used by permission and taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

The Legacy of a Christian Mom:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/the-legacy-of-a-christian-mom?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210502TheLegacyofAChristianMomArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Arise and Called Her Blessed: (LOVED this one!!)

https://www.icr.org/article/arise-call-her-blessed

When Mother's Day is Difficult: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-mothers-day-is-difficult?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210502TheLegacyofAChristianMomArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Finding Gratitude in the Trenches of Motherhood:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/finding-gratitude-in-the-trenches-of-mama-hood?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210502TheLegacyofAChristianMomArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Encouraging Friends Through the Seasons of Motherhood:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/encouraging-friends-through-the-seasons-of-motherhood?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210421APrayerForOverwhelmedMothersArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

A Prayer for Overwhelmed Mothers:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/a-prayer-for-overwhelmed-moms?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210421APrayerForOverwhelmedMothersArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Ways to Encourage Young Moms:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/small-ways-to-encourage-younger-moms?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210421APrayerForOverwhelmedMothersArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Devot. When Our Plans Doesn't Go As Planned

   Hi Folks,

   I hope you have had a great week!   

I was thinking this week of how life does not go according to our plans, hopes and dreams.  That has been the story of life for the last 3 years and yet, I have seen God's faithfulness, how He can work things out in incredible ways when I 

give an impossible or heartbreaking, disappointing situation into His hands.

My mom reminds me when these days come of Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Because God is faithful and never wishes our harm (Satan does, he is called 'a thief' who comes to steal and destroy verses God who came to bring us life more abundantly-John 10:10), we can KNOW that ALL THINGS work for our good, and specifically to those who LOVE GOD. 

I have a devot., song and sermon that I think are really good for this week and that all tie in together. 

I would most esp. urge you to listen to the sermon which is on Romans 8:28 (seeing that God can work in the midst of uncertainty) and the music beforehand.  The sermon was just what I needed this past weekend and it really encouraged my heart! 

The young woman who sings right before the pastor preaches is a true, goldy example of trusting that "all things work together" for good.  Her and her husband have an almost 1 year old that has been in and out of the hospital since her birth.  The song this young woman sings is powerful in the lyrics but the heart she puts into the song shows she KNOWS God will work things out for their good!  Another big blessing to my heart!

Again, please take a listen to both through this next week and if you feel like "I don't have time, I'm too busy", listen to it while driving t0/from work, errands, washing dishes, making dinner, folding laundry, out jogging, mowing the lawn, gardening, checking emails, watching your kid's softball practice or decompressing before bed.  There are ways to make spiritual use of the mundane we have in everyday life if we wish! :).   I lastly included an extra song that I have been playing constantly this week as a way to encourage myself. 

Pray you have a blessed week!

When Our Plans Don't Go as Planned:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-our-plans-dont-go-as-planned?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210428WhenOurPlansDon%27tGoAsPlannedArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Sermon:  Romans 8:28

(Turn in at 15:25 for the music beforehand and then the sermon)

https://livestream.com/opendoorchurchlive/services/videos/220366522

Extra Song: Thy Will Be Done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKTN4u2AGhU

 "God sometimes takes us into troubled waters, not to drown us but to cleanse us"  (Toby Mac #speaklife)

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."  Isaiah 43:2

Devot. Making an Impact

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a  good week!! 

I was thinking last week of leaving a legacy, making an impact and I was reflecting on someone I know.   She is 90, a very sweet Christian lady who loves Jesus with all her heart, has served Him with her life since she accepted Him as her Savior and makes the time to pray for others.  She recently had Covid and those that loved her were preparing for her to possibly "Go Home to be with the Lord."   

I had a mutual friend, a young woman somewhere in her late 30's-early 40's say that this dear lady had 'made an impact on her life.'   I know that when my friend came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior that our dear older friend took her under her wing to teach her how to abandon any sin in the past that had gotten in the way between her and the Lord, how to live a godly life and be a godly, loving wife.    This older friend of ours had made a lasting, and especially eternal impact on my friend's life.   

In Titus 2, older women are encouraged to teach the young women how to be good moms, wives and love the Lord.  This dear older lady did just that.  And yet I remember her sharing with me that before she came to know Jesus as her Savior when she was in her 40's, she lived a life that was not godly.  

She shared that she used to cuss like a sailor-which if you knew this lady, you would find extremely hard to believe:). 

But Jesus came in, changed her life, she wished to serve Him with the years she had left, and she is now helping to encourage others in a godly direction through her love, godly wisdom, and prayers.   (FYI, she is recovering from Covid and doing just fine, which is amazing!)

Could someone say the same of us-that we made an eternal difference in their life because we showcased the Savior to them, showed them from The Bible how to live our lives for Him, prayed for them?? Not so that we receive the accolades, but that they in turn made a difference for eternity and God was glorified through it all???  That is what has been on my mind the last 2 weeks.

Below are 3 devots. for you to enjoy and learn from this next week and a song that goes along with our theme. The lyrics are very powerful.   I pray that you learn something life changing from The Word and that the Lord opens your eyes to see how He can use YOU to make a difference for HIM. God bless!

Song: Only Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXIBP2BdYR8

(Devots. used by permission. Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Making an Impact: https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2021-02-26?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202021-02-26&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

Walk the Talk:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2020-07-10?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202020-07-10&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

A Lasting Impact:  

https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/a-lasting-heritage

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)