January 17, 2021
We’ve been teaching the children about how much we are like snowflakes. Each snowflake is different and each of us is different, unique and created by God. In Genesis 1 we read about how God spoke life to this earth, from the skies, to vegetation, animals, birds, fish, and man and woman. It’s astounding how creatively He spoke everything that was made into existence. Each different and each with a purpose.
 
Today I want to share how He created us each different and the power we each carry to impact the world. God gave us each special gifts. If we look at a snowfall as it piles up you can’t tell there are millions of tiny snowflakes that are each different. Tiny, small but together they make a snow storm, a snowman, ski slopes and much more. Alone they are beautiful, intricate, sparkling, unique flakes. That’s how we are as a church family and the body of Christ. Individually we are each created in a special way, with gifts from Him and we have a purpose in the Kingdom. Together we are powerful to do even greater works that may not be accomplished alone.
 
Another truth I realized lately was that as He created He knew what He was doing and that each of us were created and born now not 100 years before or 100 years later. We were born for this time – for such a time as this.
 
 “For if you remain silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish [since you did not help when you had the chance]. And who knows whether you have attained royalty for such a time as this [and for this very purpose]?” Esther 4:14
 
Esther had a chance to save her people and her Uncle encouraged her to stand up against the enemy. She was the queen and he asked how do you not know that you were born for this time and for this purpose? She did go to the King and she did save her people.
 
Right now, in 2021 if you are alive – you were born for such a time as this. It is useless to fear, hide, become a victim, complain, coward away from what is happening. You are here to make a difference. You were created as a unique person for this time and this situation in life. You know what that means? It means we can make it. It means we can persevere. It means that we have a say and a reason to live. It means we don’t have to cry out for the Lord to come quickly. We are here and individually and together we are to make a difference.
 
We need to embrace the truth of who we are in Him. Glorious, is what the Word says! We are vessels of the highest honor and the glory of God dwells within us. We are not victims but victors. We can do all things through Him. The SAME Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of us. We were created to shine in this dark world- to brighten every dark room we walk in to. To sparkle, shine with glorious praise that the enemy cannot shut down. We are alive today to speak words of life that change the world. You are radiant, the light of the Holy Spirit. We need to believe and remember how glorious we are. His creativity is mind blowing and everything is different. We also create. Don’t hold back or be in fear to use your gifts and be unique in your gifts of creativity. You create life or death with your words. Let’s come together and create the miracles of Him through our words.
 
“Then I heard the Lord saying, “Whom should I send to my people? Who will go to represent us?” I spoke up and said, “I will be the one. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8
 
This should be our response to the Lord when He calls us. No prophet answered as quickly as Isaiah did. That’s my heart. To quickly answer His voice when He calls especially in this season. We are here for a purpose and to make a difference in 2021.  We are here for such a time as this. Let Him flow through you. Listen carefully and let’s go together making a difference and helping others know that they are here for a purpose and the enemy cannot win when we are standing firm in the Lord!
 
That’s all for today but think about it and thank Him for letting you live to make a difference in such a time as this.
 

oJanuary 10, 2021 
Here we are 10 days into the new year. It's an amazing time In history. One like most ot us have never experienced. Most years we can look ahead and plan out a few months and right now I don't even know what to think about yesterday. I think many of us are In a daze and seeking the Lord for direction end wisdom. He is our guiding light for sure.
 
As I was thinking about this past year, I started thinking how in so many ways I feel I wasted some time in 2020. I was thinking about the whole pandemic situation, life shut down and how many people we haven't seen for almost a year. I thought of time I could have communicated better but then realized just how caught off guard I really was with things. Maybe I wasn't as prepared as I could have been. I probably was taken life for granted to a point. As I recalled the times, I realized I had never experienced such deception, division and distractions. I have lived through and experienced many things In my lite -death in my family, fatal car accidents in our family, financial devastation at times, family health issues, Adams heart surgery as a baby, step-dad's cancer, Mom's stroke, Tim's stroke. We've had a grandson struggling with drugs, lost parents and friends, been through church division and yet the sudden cloud, the storm of deception and control caught me so off guard! I feel I was in a daze so much of the time and let the darkness cause me to lose sight of some important things. Don't get me wrong, I spent so much time with the Lord, in the Word and in prayer. I didn't let the darkness remain or overpower me. His light shone brightly and definitely kept me from buying completely into the deceptions and fears of the enemy. I stayed in Him and His Word and yet let myself at times get distracted, confused and controlled by the enemies attempts. I don't know if that makes sense but it is how I felt sometimes. I feel I let some opportunities go - sat around in dismay at times when I could have reached out to others. I say all this to say that is not what I want to do in 2021. 

This year I want to walk in more clarity than ever before. This year will probably be bombarded with even more deception, darkness and evil than last year. I feel a lot of 2020 I was preparing my heart for what Is to come but I know I can't stop going forward. I'm asking the Lord now to show me how I am to respond to any situation that are ahead. We all know how it should look if we are walking in His love and wisdom but that isn't how it always ends up. He asks me, "What is in your heart today that could cause you to react or respond in a way that isn't Me?" I don't have any Idea what tomorrow or next week will look like. But I do know beyond a shadow of doubt how I want to handle any situation. I want to be totally sold out - surrendered and 100% committed to Him. No matter what a day or season brings I desire and am asking the Lord to show me exactly how I can respond or react to it. My greatest desire Is for His light, life and glory to shine through me no matter how dark and black a situation appears. Darkness isn't even a reality with Christ In us unless we chose to hide our light. "Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide It In an obscure place? Instead, It's placed where everyone In the house can benefit from its light." Matthew 5:14-15
​
"It's Impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence Is everywhere, bringing light Into my night." Psalm 139:11 

I was talking to one of our granddaughters while we are here In Tennessee. She graduates this year and I was asking her how she sees her future. She shared her vision with me and said, "That Is how I see It but may not be how it turns out." I agreed and then shared with her that whatever our dream or vision we have to go forward - toward it and as we go the Lord adjusts, redirects and guides us as He sees It going. When we "arrive" many times things look different but we have a peace and know it Is where we are to be. Now we don't have to do It this way. We could fight to make It work the way we want It to be or how we originally saw it but the result will not be peace. Usually making it happen our way doesn't bring the results we expected. 

That ls where I feel we are now. We have a vision of truth as to where our country is to be going. We have and need to continue to go toward that truth but cannot fight against Him to get the results we think we are to have. There is a fine line at times with what we think Is right or leaning on our own understanding when He Is showing us the path and steps we are to take. 

So far the last few days things are not turning out or have not proven to be like I thought or wanted. Most of us could say that. But His word to me Is to not give up! We all know these verses but they are a great
reminder: "Trust In the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your 
heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become 
intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don't think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion 
and avoid everything that's wrong." Proverbs 3:5-7 

He is telling me right now that I need to be light in this dark world. I feel this light must shine brighter than ever before. Light ALWAYS dispels darkness.
​ 
"The earth was completely formless and empty, with nothing but darkness draped over the 
deep. God's spirit hovered over the face of the waters. God announced, "Let there be light." 
And light burst forth. God saw the light as pleasing and beautiful. He used the light to dispel 
the darkness... " Genesis 1:2-5
 
He isn't at a loss for how to tum dark situations into something glorious. He is the Light and steps into the dark situations and wraps Himself around them and they are no longer dark. He speaks and darkness has to bow to Light. He is in us and we shine so bright that the darkness cannot exist and that is where the deceptions come In. Somehow the enemy deceives us into speaking and believing that we have lost and there is no way out of the situation. My answer is "Bologna, we have already won! We just continue to put 
ourselves in places that appear dark because we are listening to the wrong words. Our words are to carry life not death! His life. Our words of life dispel darkness because they are His words. His Life shines in 
every dark crevice and there isn't even a shadow of doubt. We were created in His imagine -His light that allows so darkness. 

How does this look in all that is going on? Well, I believe a lot of the issues we are seeing are because the light of the Believers Is dispelling the darkness and the darkness doesn't like it. Except for the protestors in black that decided were full of deception and darkness that place, DC, was shining so bright with the 
light, life and love of our Lord Jesus that the darkness couldn't stand it. Evil cannot not stand light. 

"I've learned that his anger lasts for a moment, but his loving favor lasts a lifetime! We may weep through the night, but at daybreak it will turn into shouts of ecstatic joy." Psalm 30:5 

When Jesus came and gave His life for us by dying, being buried and rising from the dead the anger of 
God was buried with Jesus. Jesus appeased God's anger and now His loving favor lasts a lifetime. There are issues and situations in all our lives but His light takes away the darkness and turns them into shouts of ecstatic joy! That's what we are about to see! That is what I talked about last week -shouts of joy In 2021 and they will want to keep our mouths covered and masked so we can't be shouting for joy. 
I continue to seek the Lord and prepare my heart so that no matter what may look like a set back or the 
end in my eyes I will see from His perspective and not my own understanding and continue to let His light shine bright in my life. After letting things get me down last year this will be a challenge I can only do with 
Him but I know, "And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power Infuses me to conquer every difficulty." Philippians 4:13
 
"Pass through, pass through the gates, and go from old to new. 
​Prepare a new path for the people. 
Build! Build up a highway for them to come to me!
Remove every hindrance
​and unfurl a banner for the nations!" Isaiah 62:10
​ 
Keep seeking, keep asking, keep knocking. Let Him shine through you and the darkness will continue to disappear. What a glorious 2021 His light and Life is in us!! 

January 3, 2021
Well, I had written and completed a letter to our church family and cannot find it anywhere this
morning. Pretty frustrating as I am using my new computer and will have to figure this out later.
But I am not going to let the enemy win on this so I am writing a few things He put on my heart
this week. This will probably be pretty short as I have 15 minutes until Ed leaves :)

This is what I feel the Lord is showing us for 2021 as a church body. First, it's not to give up on
praying and believing for our country. It's one of the most important issues that has to stay in
the for front of our praises and declarations. Our freedoms right now to worship our Lord and
Savior are being threatened. We must stand strong in His truths! We must continue to share His
truths.

There's a battle on the Hill in Washington. There are so many Believers in leadership that are
fighting for our rights and fighting against the evil that wants to take over. The battle is real with
the demonic leadership. It's as real as Covid-19. It's contagious and deadly, bringing fear and
threats. The focus has been on the virus but the consequences of the demonic leadership and
take over are our real battle. There is no vaccine to help except standing on His truths, prayer,
speaking life, not quitting, not giving in and listening to the voice of the Lord. He is speaking to
each one of us telling us what our call is in this battle. We each have something to do in the
Kingdom and we need to step up to do what He has called us to do as we take back what was
stolen from us.

The enemy has managed to steal from the church 10 months of power that comes in unity and
oneness. Together there's so much power in our unity that the enemy doesn't have a chance.
The devil has already lost but is working by default because we as a church body are not
stepping up. As we come together across this nation and world taking back the what the devil
has stolen we will see that we have already won. We need to be declaring His truths over our
nation and refusing to give in to being "masked" but let our voices be heard as we proclaim His
Word, Truth and promises. This will defeat the enemy's purposes. We've already WON and we
must believe that and walk in it.

There may only be a remnant right now but Gideon only had 300 men in his battle. It's not a
year to remain "masked". We must shout our praises to the world. Shout His Word on the
mountains. It's not time to be quiet! Shout to the Lord let the earth hear us sing!

Go- let the past be gone and embrace all the new He has for us.

"And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every
difficulty." Philippians 4:13

"Pass through, pass through the gates, and go from old to new.
Prepare a new path for the people.
Build! Build up a highway for them to come to me!
Remove every hindrance
and unfurl a banner for the nations!" Isaiah 62:10

This is a short version of what I wanted to share but hopefully the Holy Spirit will help you fill in
the rest. Blessings and Happy New Year!!

December 27, 2020
Today I will have a shorter devotional since my time was spent with enjoying my family this past
week. We had a beautiful Christmas with 3 of the 5 kids able to be with us and 15 of the
grandchildren. Precious memories of cousins playing and talking. Brothers and sister sharing
memories and thanking the Lord for all He has given us as a family. I cherished every minute.

As we close out the year 2020 we have so much to reflect and meditate on. It was a year like
none other for most of us. May have been the toughest year for some especially if there was loss
in your lives. May have been the greatest year for some if they had a new life added to their
family or new marriage began. Most of us could say it was a confusing, frustrating and life .
changing year. If we kept our eyes on the Lord it was a year to lean on Him and grow in grace
and knowledge of Him and our personal relationship with Him. For many it was the scariest year
ever. It definitely was a year to learn a lot about was deep inside of our hearts. Situations and
circumstances brought out some deep hidden fears, anger, doubts, unbelief and sometimes
selfish priorities.

The best part of 2020 was our extra time to meditate on the Lord's ways and wisdom. There was
more time as family when we had to stay home. We have so much to be thankful for and
so much to continue to pray and believe for. Sometimes finding something to be grateful for
during tough times is challenging but it's the most important thing we can do. Don't let 2020 be
gone without pondering all you have to thank the Lord for. It will make 2021 a greater year.

As a new year begins I always take time to sit, pray and ask the Lord to show me what He has
for me/us to do. What mission trips will we take this year? Where will we travel? What are our
goals and visions for the year? This year is not different as I will seek His wisdom on those
things. What He is already showing me is what my life will have to look like to be the person He
has called me to be. He has called all of us to be a light to the world. A bright and shining light that
will reflect Him always. My greatest desire is to let Him shine so deeply inside so that people
everywhere will know He lives in me. But He has told me that is going to take sacrifices, letting
go of thoughts and ideas that I like holding on to, and total surrender to His ways.

As I seek Him in this journey of 2021 I will share what He gives me with you. I don't know some
exacts right now but He is leading and speaking to my heart. I know I will NOT GIVE UP, I will
not give in to the evil ways and ideas, I will not compromise, I will not go on without Him and
His guidance remembering His promises.

He gave me a verse to start 2021.
"Pass through, pass through the gates, and go from old to new. Prepare a new path for
the people. Build! Build up a highway for them to come to me! Remove every
hindrance and unfurl a banner for the nations!" Isaiah 62:10

Here is where I will begin this week. Go - Prepare - Build - Remove. I will share more as He
shows me.

Another very powerful and life changing word He gave me for 2021 below. I will let you ponder
on it this week and see what He is saying to you.

2021 - A year to KNOW we have already WON!

Blessings and love to you as we close 2020 and look forward to the great things
of 2021 and walking in Him! Happy New Year!

December 20, 2020 . .
I love my mornings and my time with my Savior. I long to get up early Just to spend this
precious time in His presence especially with all my Christmas lights. This time of year I may be
reading different books or devotionals that share about Christmas. Right now I have my 2
regular devotionals and an advent devotional that speak so directly to me that I. know the Lord
must have arranged them just for me. One day this past week all 3 of the devotionals talked
about the same thing on the same day. I was listening! It's a subject He has talked to me about
a lot over the years. It's a fruit of the Spirit many have given me words about when they pray
for me. It's something I know I have but I don't always release it or walk in it - at least not
outwardly. And the day I heard it again 3 times I surrendered my heart to live my day ,
expressing this virtue to others. It's a word we sing about, see written on plaques and cards. Its
the gift of JOY! I desire to let His joy flow through me. I choose His joy but it's a fruit that
doesn't always come out of me as I desire evidently. All I can figure out is my natural behavior
is sometimes serious and focused. I can get so focused and intent on doing something that
others don't see my joy. So on this day when I heard it 3 times in 3 different ways I knew it was
from Him since my life has been so focused lately on the different situations of my life and I
knew I needed to release His joy in my life!

To strengthen those crushed by despair who mourn in Zion-to give them a beautiful
bouquet in the place of ashes, the oil of bliss instead of tears, and the mantle of joyous
praise instead of the spirit of heaviness. Because of this, they will be known
as Mighty Oaks of Righteousness, planted by Yahweh as a living display of his glory.
Isaiah 61:3

Isaiah 61:3 is a powerful verse. It talks about a spirit of heaviness. It's easy to get to this point
in the natural especially right now but it's not where we are to be. It says it is a spirit of
heaviness. It's a spirit. Heaviness is not from Him!

"Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life,
for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you'll discover
that I'm gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. for
all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear." Matthew 11:28-30

He has given us the mantle of JOYOUS praise! Think about it - it's a sprit that covers us
blankets us in heaviness - weighing us down, pushing us to not be able to walk upright.' It's
across our country and the world right now. BUT He has given us a mantle. Place this
magnificent mantle of joy on your shoulders. A mantle so full of His glory it can only lift you up
and up higher!

Then the same day He told me I needed to laugh! He said, "I created you with great joy and it's
time to embrace My Joy! . Wow! What a word on top of Isaiah 61: 3. He wants to peel back the
layers of heaviness that life has covered me with and embrace His joy! Then He gave this
serious, focused person this word! "Don't take life so serious that you don't enjoy it." I know I
have His Joy and I feel joyous but I also know I don't walk in His unspeakable joy.
"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing,
ye rejoice with Joy unspeakable and full of glory:" 1 Peter 1:8 KJV

The King James Bible calls it joy unspeakable. Other versions say inexpressible joy.

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him
now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with
inexpressible and glorious Joy," 1 Peter 1:8 AMP

This is the joy that unlocks the chains that weigh us down. He tells us to laugh. To laugh out
loud.

"Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with
uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the
Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate
with hope!" Romans 15:3

What a beautiful verse! What a life giving prayer. That's what there was on that first Christmas.
That was what Mary had when she heard that she would give birth to the Messiah. She was
filled to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as she trusted. She
chose to express only joy! That's a choice I need to make daily. Not just to have joy expressed
through me but ONLY joy and not the other heaviness that blankets this world. The shepherds
were full of joy. That's my heart's desire, not just at this Christmas season but I desire to make
a choice to have unspeakable, inexpressible joy flowing through and from me every day.
This year is a bit different with all the situations in the world. The enemy would like nothing
more than to stop the joyous praises of God's children. No matter what we cannot do that. We
must praise Him even more. Sing louder. Sing more often.

"Go ahead-sing your brand-new song to the Lord! He is famous for his miracles and
marvels, for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength.
Everyone knows how God has saved us, for he has displayed his justice throughout
history.
He never forgets to show us his love and faithfulness. How kind he has been to Israel!
All the nations know how he stands behind his people and how he saves his own.
So go ahead, everyone, and shout out your praises with joy! Break out of the box and
let loose with the most joyous sound of praise!
Sing your melody of praise to the Lord and make music like never before!
Blow those trumpets and shofars! Shout with joyous triumph before King Yahweh!
Let the ocean's waves join in the chorus with their roaring praise until everyone
everywhere shouts out in unison, "Glory to the Lord!"
Let the rivers and streams clap with applause as the mountains rise in a standing
ovation to join the mighty choir of exaltation. Look! Here he comes! The Lord and
judge of all the earth! He's coming to make things right and to do it fair and square.
And everyone will see that he does all things well!" Psalm 98:1-9

"Sing for joy, you heavens! Shout, you earth, and rejoice with dancing, shouting, and
glee! Burst into joyous songs, you mountains, for Yahweh has comforted
his beloved people. He will show tenderness and compassion to his suffering ones."
Isaiah 49: 13

"Do it again! Those Yahweh has set free will return to Zion and come celebrating with
songs of joy! They will be crowned with never-ending joy! Gladness and joy will
overwhelm them; despair and depression will disappear!" Isaiah 51:11

This Christmas Day make a choice to have one of the greatest gifts He gave us and that is His
joy. Inexpressible joy. Open that gift from Him before you open any other gift. No matter where
you are, who you are with don't let the blanket of heaviness steal your joy. It's a beautiful day
rejoicing in Him and remembering Who He is and the reason He came to earth that day. I'm so
thankful He has given us this day to celebrate Him and His love. Enjoy it to the fullest!

Merry Christmas with all our love to you!