Lamentations 3:23
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Many times in our life we see the storm clouds roll in. When they begin to form, they can grow so dark and black. We begin to wonder if there is any light at the end of the tunnel. We wonder if we will see the sunshine again. God knows what we are going through, He knows when we are experiencing a stormy time in our lives. But God knows that the storm will not last forever. While the stormy day may seem gloomy and slow ending, God promises a fresh new day will come. God is faithful, so we know this promise is true. That we will be greeted by the sun and it warmness and God will wrap us in His arms no matter what we go through.

The Storms May Rage

Dear Lord, help us to allow You to be our Umbrella in times of storms
To cover us spiritually, when dark clouds in our life begin to form

Remind us that after the rain is gone
Things change and a new season comes along

Remind me Lord, that you are with us even when we are torn
When the storm makes us weary and worn

You shelter us when the waves of life knock us down
You are faithful, You take us to higher ground

Soon the storm clouds will roll away
We see the beauty of a brand new day

 

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
John 11:40
Many days I find myself worrying about things that are not important. I waste precious time thinking about how bills are going to be paid. God shows me everyday what He can do, still I find myself focusing on upcoming bills. Every single time that the due date approaches, God sends the funds for them. So why do I continue to focus on things that wasting my time? It is nothing but habit. I know that God will provide, but sometimes we forget that we must believe to receive. Just like by believing in Jesus Christ, we can receive eternal life. It just seems to simple, but God has made it that easy, just believe. In the last few days I have come to see just what is important. Living our life for God, and holding onto Jesus Christ no matter what happens. When events take place in our life, we must turn to God to help us through. He will never fail us, and we just have to believe. He will help us pay bills, comfort us in sorrow, help us deal when a loved one that is sick. He will help us no matter what we may face, we just have to believe. I know that I believe that one day I will see Jesus Christ. I know that He will take us by the hand and lead us home when our life on this earth is done. I know that I am saved by God's only Son Jesus Christ. Let us just believe that God will provide all things regardless of what we face. Let us not take our focus off of the mission God has planned for our lives. Let us not waste precious time focusing on things that don't matter. If we believe we shall receive. God will never turn His back on us never.

Father, I know if we just believe
Eternal life we shall receive

I know that my needs will be met
I know that I do not have to fret

You will provide for the bills and all
You know our needs before we call

Father, I know if we just believe
All things we can truly receive

Father, let us believe even when things go wrong
With your love and mercy, we are never ever alone

You will provide for us day and night
You will lead us from darkness to light

Father, in You and Your Son Jesus Christ
I will trust and believe all of my life
 

Isaiah 26:3
3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

This verse reminds me that if we keep our mind on God daily, we can have peace of mind. We can rest assured that God will handle our problems if we trust in Him. Just like this week our car broke down on Saturday, and we did not have the money to fix it. We prayed and left it in God's hands. We had the car worked on last month, and just about had got the bill paid off for the parts. It had taken a lot of our resources to get the bill paid off. God knew that we were paying our bill down a little at a time. He knew every effort was being made to do the right thing. I praise God that He once again showed us what He can do. He made a way for the mechanic to be paid, and that the bill for parts got paid, so that we could charge the parts today. God is awesome and He meets all of our needs and so much more. Evidently this problem had been an ongoing thing with the car, and God fixed it until He could make a way for us to have it fixed. Besides God letting us be able to have the car fixed, He also made a way for us to pay all our bills. See sometimes our outlook is bleak, but God can make the sunshine and brighten our day and lives. If you are experiencing hard times, please don't give up. God will deliver just in time, and He will bring a blessing to your life and day. Let us remember when He does these wonderful things to share the with everyone we encounter. I have been praying for new tires ours is really bad, but God will retread them until we can get new ones. I will update everyone when God decides it is time for us to get new tires. I know it will not be long, because God answers our prayers. He will provide the tires when He knows we need them most. We have hope, and everyday in God I will place my faith. Jesus Christ died for our sins, God gave the greatest gift of love by sending His only Son.

Father in Heaven, You are so mighty and great
Providing for our needs, You never hesitate

You make a way for things to happen when we give up
Just when we think all hope is lost, Father, You fill our cup

Thank You Father, for paying the bills, and fixing the car
You are Great, Awesome, from us You are never far

You hold us in Your arms, and shelter us from the storms
You mend our broken hearts when we are battered and worn

No matter what we may face, I will sing Your praise
Telling the world what You do for me all of my days


 

Psalm 34:18 (King James Version)

18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Dealing with grief is hard to describe unless you have been through it first hand. I lost my mom Oct. 16, 2004 and my world changed forever. I had lost loved ones along the way just not someone so close. I had a hard time dealing with my grief, we had to clean out my mom's apartment so this made it so much harder to deal with her death, it was like I was taking her memory away. When we got everything packed and taken to it destination we closed the door for the last time to her apartment, that was hard to do, knowing it would be the last time we would be back to her apartment. When all her things were in place and we were preparing for the cleanup it was like she was on vacation, and it was peaceful.
A few days after we had finished the apartment I went to call my sister who lives in the same town mom did and I dialed mom's old number by habit and got that it had been disconnect and realized that was exactly how I felt. To know that she would never answer that phone again hit me like a ton of bricks so I cried.
Now what I would like to say is there is three phases and some last a long time, there is denial, anger, and acceptance. I had finally realized that emotionally I was praying she would answer but that would never happen. Now don't get me wrong for one minute I was not wishing mom back she was in a much better place, I was trying to get pass the pain of missing her and the pain is less on some days but remains strong at times like holidays, birthdays, and especially Mother's Day.
If you are dealing with grief, it will take time a lot of time, and strong family communications. Make sure you have someone to talk to my husband is my best friend so I was very lucky to have someone who will listen no matter how stupid my words my seem. If you like writing , keep a journal, or diary,write poems if you like writing poetry. This is exactly how I dealt with my grief, I prayed for God to give me a job and He did. I started writing Christian poetry and begin reading it in church and by the grace of God that is how my first book came about. Now if you are having trouble getting out of bed due to depression from your grief and feel you cannot go on it may be time to talk to your preacher or a therapist.If you have children throw all your energy into your family. Plan a date for you and your spouse. Plan a getaway for the whole family for the weekend. Rent a hotel that has a pool if you can't afford to leave town completely. Just to let your hair down and do not tell anyone where you are going turn off the cell phones and let the voice mail catch it check your phone before going to bed.If you are having to deal with someone who is experiencing grief please be patient and kind, given time the person won't cry so much and they will eventually be the person they were, they may be sad for quiet sometime there is no time limit on this so please be understanding and lend an ear and listen only respond when they are done. This is the best thing is talking about the sadness it gives release and then the happy memories can come in and helps mend all the broken pieces. I have included this poem to give an idea of the pain and anguish you feel when you first find out a loved one is gone.I wrote this poem the day my mom passed away

The Call
Lord, today my world stood still
Somehow the news just didn't seem real

The call had come, you called mom home
Lord I feel comforted, I know she didn't travel alone

Lord you picked a beautiful rose, her name was Grace
She believed in you, and she had the faith

I don't worry about her, she is in good hands
Lord she was suffering, so you called her home I understand

I'm going to miss her, she was my mom and dad combined into one, I know she is fine
I know I will see her again in time

So Lord help me to find acceptance, and not to feel so sad
I know you will take care, of my mom-dad

Lord let me accept thy will
Tell mom I love her, and miss her still

I know she is feeling great
One day we'll join her I can't wait



 

1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Recently I was watching a special presentation on the news. It was telling of the failing housing market. They reported about 2.4 million families have lost their homes to foreclosure, in the past two years. That number is expected to double in the next few years. Many people are losing their jobs, due to the uncertainties of the economy. Everything being unstable is causing a domino effect. In such times like this, it is great to know one foundation remains strong, Jesus Christ. No matter what we may face, or trials that we go through, Jesus will remain by our side. We must keep the faith that God will carry us through all adversity. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we will win the victory. By keeping God's commandments and believing in Jesus, we can win the victory in any battle. Great faith is the key to getting through any and all situations. Jesus will be with us no matter what obstacles we face in life. God will provide our every need, we must keep the faith and pray believing God will deliver us through all things.

Great Faith

When we become weighed down with worry and strife
Let us go to Jesus in prayer, put Him in charge of our life

When it seems like we are lost in the sea of doubt
Call out to Jesus, give Him a loud humble shout

Through great faith we can win the battle, and declare victory
Only because Jesus Christ died because He loved you and me

When trials and troubles bring us down
Call out to Jesus, He is always around

Keeping the faith, will definitely help win the war
Jesus overcame the world, He lives forever more

In our weakest moments, remember Jesus is strong
No matter what we face, we are never really alone

No matter what our battle, through Jesus we can win
He can do all things, He won the battle over sin

Keep the faith and carry on
Jesus Christ will keep you strong





 

Ephesians 1: 7
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

Praise God that through Jesus' blood, our sins are forgiven. I know I fail God everyday. He forgives us no matter what we do wrong. Through our belief in Jesus, our sins are forgiven. No matter how hard we try, at some point in the day, Satan makes us stumble. He tries his best to draw us away from God. I am so glad that we have Jesus to by our side, to keep Satan from succeeding.

Forgive me Lord for my sins
I fail you everyday, it never ends

I have done things, that are so wrong
Through your forgiveness, you make me strong

Forgive me Lord, for not saying thank you, for all the blessings you give
Dear Lord, have mercy on this sinner's soul, as long as I live

Forgive me, for not helping others along the way
Give me courage, make me strong, so I can tell others of your love everyday

Forgive me Dear Father, I have failed you completely
Many times, I do it over and over, I am sure it hurts you deeply

Forgive me Lord, for wandering away from the fold
And for not doing your will, as I was told

Forgive me Lord, for my sins, when I repent
Let the rest of my life, for you be spent

Forgive me God in Heaven, and let me follow you
To your plans for me, I want to always be true




 

And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5

Today, I want to focus on the love that God has for us. He has shown it time and time again. How many times do we take the time to Thank Him. Let us send up praise to God daily. He has given us mercy, that we do not deserve. He has extended forgiveness over and over, for sins that we commit daily. He showed His love for us by sending His only Son Jesus Christ. Let us shout God's praise to the world, let us tell them what Jesus Christ has done in our life. That He turned our heart of stone to be filled with love and forgiveness. That He paid the price for our sins. Let us be thankful and grateful daily. To tell everyone what God has done for us. That He can do the same for them if they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We want to make sure we do this mission with love, not to boast. That we are sinners that are forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. We need to remind ourselves that we sin everyday, that God forgives us because Jesus covered our sins with His blood. Let us praise God for having a home to live in, running water, we have clean clothes, food on our table, and clothes on our backs. Oh and let us not forget a bed to sleep in, and we are warm at night. See we have so much to be thankful for. Let us not forget to lift our eyes to heaven, and thank God daily for all blessings we have received.

Father, we know many days we forget to thank You
For all the many blessing You give and all You do

Father, we are grateful for all that we have been given
I want to bring praise to Your name as long as I am living

I want to Thank You Father for meeting our every need
I want to Thank You daily for being merciful and loving indeed

You have showed more love and mercy than I have ever known
Your loved us before we were ever born, and even more when we are grown

Thank You Father, for all the wonderful blessings that we have received
In Your love and mercy, Your only Son Jesus Christ was conceived

Father, Thank You, for everything
Your love makes our heart sing
 

Psalm 118
1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

2Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

3Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

4Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

5I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.

6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

7The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

8It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

I look at these verses and I am so grateful for God's mercy.Could you imagine if God no longer believed in us? That He knew that we were going to mess up everyday of our life. He just gave up on us, and quit believing that He could truly make a change in us. That one day He would be able to use us for His glory. Could you imagine if God threw up His hands, and said that I am done helping you. I could never imagine my life without God in it daily. Just think how God feels, when we turn from Him at times. We leave Him out of many decisions, and many times we exclude Him from our daily life. Then we rush to His arms when all things have fallen apart. We then expect Him to fix everything. That is why we are so grateful that God doesn't give up on us. He knows that we have potential and just has to be patient. God has mercy on us, and accepts us daily for the sinners that we are. I am thankful that God never leaves our side. That His mercy endures even when we fail. Praise God for His love for us, and I truly Thank Him, for sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

Father, Thank You, for never giving up on me
Without Your mercy, where would I truly be

Thank You Father, for being by our side
Wiping the many tears that we have cried

Thank You Father, for believing in me, even though I fail
Thank You for Your undying love, all through life it will prevail

Thank You for never giving up on me
You are filled with mercy and love I can see

Thank You Father, for sending Jesus Christ
So that we could receive eternal life

I am thankful that You never give up on me
Only by Your mercy, grace, and love we are free