This past week we had the opportunity to spend all week with our family in Southern Colorado. One of our sons moved to the San Luis Valley 3 years ago to work with my brothers and a nephew. Our kids love it there and we are so blessed to see them prospering in every area of life. Both my brothers and their families live there too so there are lots of little ones and lots of activities. This was County Fair week! We were able to watch our 2 granddaughters and 3 great nieces show their 4H animals. One showed a couple lambs and the other 4 each raised and showed 2 hogs. We spent 4 evenings in the show arena watching these young ladies, 8-13, who have worked so hard, present their animals and win some ribbons. What a treasure that is for my heart. My Mom showed chickens in 4H, I showed a lamb, Tim showed pig, steers and lambs and now our granddaughters are following the tradition. It was the same with my brother’s family. This is 4th generation 4H. These 5 young ladies are Mom’s great granddaughters following in steps she started more than 80 years ago. Wow.
The family time was precious to us. Just getting to relax each night after the show at our niece’s camper as we combined our food and ate dinner together. There about 12 little ones running around each night. Some of these were Mom’s great-great grandchildren. I just sat and soaked it in. Life gets busy for all of us and this was a beautiful time together. Each one of these little ones have been taught to respect their elders and never came or went without lots of hugs, especially for their Great grandma. Mom had so many little hugs and it blessed her heart to overflowing.
As I was trying to see what I should write today my mind wasn’t sure what direction to go and I didn’t have time to prepare like most weeks. My time is limited but I’m going to share some verses He gave me during the week that ministered to my heart. The Word never fails to minister and never returns void.
These first couple set of scriptures are prayers that can be prayed for others. My family, just like all families, has stresses, issues, attacks and distractions. I can pray these words from God’s Word and know that I am praying according to His Word. We need to pray for one another! I need prayer, you need prayer and encouragement. These are powerful prayers.
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have. Colossians 1:9-14
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,… And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Philippians 1:3, 9-11
These next few verses are verses the Lord gave me. They are answers to my prayers. Prayers for wisdom, direction and peace. I realized this week that I am not always walking in His peace in different areas of my life. Some areas and situations bring a bit of doubt, condemnation, fear, which is not what I want. These scriptures reminded me of His love and grace and where I need to keep my heart and mind.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“For everyone who knows your wonderful name keeps putting their trust in you. They can count on you for help no matter what. O Lord, you will never, no never, neglect those who come to you.” Psalm 9:10 TPT
Jesus answered him, “‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ This is the great and supreme commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 TPT
Enjoy your week and pray for your family this week. This is one of the greatest things we can do for each other. Meditate on Him. I needed reminded of His perfect peace. “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You.”
“O Lord, you will never, no never, neglect those who come to you.” He is with us always😊
“Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you”.