Everyone has a turning point in his/her life.
For me, my turning point was seven years ago, five days after I had my son. I had many other hurdles in my life before this, but this one was different. This one was a game changer. I was not prepared for the ride I was about to take and neither was my husband.
While I was pregnant, I had pre-eclampsia, a condition that is common in many women when they are pregnant. The only way to treat it was to have the baby. Well, I had the baby, yet my blood pressure did not go down. I was released five days after I gave birth, which was much longer than most new mothers.
The next morning, I woke up in severe pain at home and drove myself to the hospital. I had an aortic dissection. It’s a condition where your blood flow is so rapid, it builds up like a dam in your aorta and eventually it tears the aortic wall. John Ritter, of Three’s Company died of the very same thing. I spent several days in the ICU, was treated with medicine and thankfully did not have to have surgery.
Afterward, my whole perspective on life changed. God and my family became the center of my life. I wanted to be a better person and the person that God wanted me to be. JD, Hudson and I moved back home from Austin to be closer to our family, and I began a new career as a teacher and to serve others. God had a path for me, not one I had planned on for myself but one He planned for me. I always felt God’s presence throughout this experience and truly believe He kept me here to make the world a better place and to enjoy my wonderful family. God gave me the best gift of all, being able to watch my son grow up.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, May we always be mindful of the wonderful life You have given us and the wonderful people you have put in our path to enrich our lives. Amen.
- Feb 28, 2018Day 22: Wednesday, March 7th, 2018
Day 22: Wednesday, March 7th, 2018“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”Psalm 32:8
Everyone has a turning point in his/her life.
For me, my turning point was seven years ago, five days after I had my son. I had many other hurdles in my life before this, but this one was different. This one was a game changer. I was not prepared for the ride I was about to take and neither was my husband.
While I was pregnant, I had pre-eclampsia, a condition that is common in many women when they are pregnant. The only way to treat it was to have the baby. Well, I had the baby, yet my blood pressure did not go down. I was released five days after I gave birth, which was much longer than most new mothers.
The next morning, I woke up in severe pain at home and drove myself to the hospital. I had an aortic dissection. It’s a condition where your blood flow is so rapid, it builds up like a dam in your aorta and eventually it tears the aortic wall. John Ritter, of Three’s Company died of the very same thing. I spent several days in the ICU, was treated with medicine and thankfully did not have to have surgery.
Afterward, my whole perspective on life changed. God and my family became the center of my life. I wanted to be a better person and the person that God wanted me to be. JD, Hudson and I moved back home from Austin to be closer to our family, and I began a new career as a teacher and to serve others. God had a path for me, not one I had planned on for myself but one He planned for me. I always felt God’s presence throughout this experience and truly believe He kept me here to make the world a better place and to enjoy my wonderful family. God gave me the best gift of all, being able to watch my son grow up.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, May we always be mindful of the wonderful life You have given us and the wonderful people you have put in our path to enrich our lives. Amen.
Contributed by Tiffany Bralley - Feb 28, 2018Day 21: Tuesday, March 6th, 2018
Day 21: Tuesday, March 6th, 2018
“For the word of God is living and active…”
Hebrews 4:12
We have a large bird feeder hanging from a tree limb in our backyard. It is several years old, as the rust around its edges testifies. I enjoy watching many species of birds coming to the feeder: brightly colored Cardinals who are fussy and chase other birds away; lots of white-wing doves who try to perch upon the feeder only to prefer to eat seed dropped upon the ground; the occasional Stellar’s Jay (Blue Jay) who is aggressive but only sticks around for a little while; numerous Chickadees and Wrens who constantly fly from the nearby hedges to the feeder for a quick bite. We keep our feeder filled with various kinds of bird seed: premium songbird, sunflower seeds, or just the economy seed mix. When we forget to fill the feeder, the birds don’t come around as much. I suppose they find nourishment elsewhere.
I think the feeder is like the Bible. Like the bird feeder, the Word of God is available for anyone (no matter what kind of “bird” we are), anytime, no matter the circumstances, day or night. It provides necessary spiritual “food” (no matter the kind of seed/translation) and never needs refilling.
When do we read and meditate on the Word of God? Do we only read and meditate on the Holy Scriptures when it’s convenient in Sunday school or worship? Only when we go to the “feeder” are we able to be nourished for our spiritual journey.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit Lord, help us to seek Your Word and make it living and active for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Contributed by Mike Hoel
- Feb 28, 2018Day 20: Monday, March 5th, 2018
Day 20: Monday, March 5th, 2018
Mind Your Own Business
“But Jesus did not say he would die; he only said,’If I want him to remain alive till I return, what is it to you?’”
John 21:23One thing you have to love about the Lord is He does not sugarcoat anything. He says all things in love,but if the truth hurts, so be it.How many times have we looked to another and wondered, “why do they have this or that?” “Why do things seem to work out for them and not me?” I think this piece of scripture covers that pretty well--what is it to you? Jesus is saying it is none of your business and to mind your own business.
Wow! This seems pretty harsh! As Christians if we are minding our business then we are listening and obeying God. Unfortunately, as Christians we are sinners, so we spend a lot of time worrying about others and not always in a loving way..... So when you stray from what business God has given you, do not be surprised if you get a gentle reminder to mind your own business.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for lovingly reminding us where we need to focus our hearts and minds. Let us remember that only you, Lord, know all the business, and it is Your business not ours. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Contributed by Laura Dungan
- Feb 28, 2018Day 19: Sunday, March 4th, 2018
Day 19: Sunday, March 4th, 2018"But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him, must walk as Jesus did."1 John 2:5-6
PERFECT! We do NOT live in a perfect world. We probably have a difficult time understanding what PERFECT LOVE is, much less accepting it as perfect. I always have to go back to 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
“If anyone obeys His Word, God’s love is made complete in him.” Complete. Perfect. That’s a BIG order. But it is God who makes His love complete in us, not we who make His love perfect in us.
Let’s take one step at a time:
Obey His Word. Accept His perfect love. Walk as Jesus did.
We CANNOT DO THIS BY OURSELVES. We MUST submit Him.We must obey His Word.As we work toward obeying God's word, let us each day try to focus on one small piece of perfect love....
Prayer:
Loving and gracious God, please help us to obey Your word so that your Love may be complete in us. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
Contributed by Jean Gautier
- Feb 28, 2018Day 18: Saturday, March 3rd, 2018
Day 18: Saturday, March 3rd, 2018
Today's scripture is Psalm 121.
My family home is at the foot of Mt. Magazine in Arkansas. There I was given my foundation of faith from my grandparents and my mother. If I am troubled, I will go to the mountain and walk the land where my “people” walked. I stop by the church that is across the street from my grandmother’s house. I stop by the cemetery and reflect on the memories of my “People.” Then I go to the top of the mountain and find my rock. It is the same rock that stood outside my great-uncle’s cabin in the 1800s. I stand on my rock on the top of the mountain and I pray. I pray for strength and guidance. I give thanks for my family who taught me to have faith.I’ve learned that I do not need to go to the mountain or to my rock. I just have to look up. My faith does not come from the mountain or hills; my faith comes from our Lord. My mother made certain that I had this faith that will carry me wherever I travel. Our Lord is always with us. Our Lord is the same Lord that has served us throughout all of history. Our Lord will give us the strength to face any challenge. All we have to do is to look up to our heavenly Father for help and guidance. He will always be there. My mountain and my rock are just symbols of my family and my faith.
As parents, if we raise our children to have our faith, we have done our “jobs.” We will pass the most important values from our parents to our children. Thank you, Mom, for teaching us our faith and our family.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Help me to remember that all I have to do is to look up to find You. You will give me strength and guidance. You are always with us. Your teachings laid the foundation for every single day throughout the ages. Help me to follow your word and have faith to make decisions that reflect your guidance. Thank you for my mother who shared her faith with each of her children. Help me to pass the values of our ancestors forward to my children and grandchildren. Thank You for always being present in our lives; all we have to do is look up for your help! In Your name I pray, Amen.
Contributed by Carol Dugger
- Feb 28, 2018Day 17: Friday, March 2nd, 2018
Day 17: Friday, March 2nd, 2018“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”Matthew 5:13In 2011, a dear friend of mine asked if I would co-lead a small group with her. I had a lot on my plate but prayed about it, and, of course, my answer was yes. We had six weeks of training and were commissioned on October 16, 2011. We planned,we strategized, and we prayed some more.
The second Tuesday in January 2012, our small group, “Son‘N Fun,” began. We were pretty salty, I’d say, inviting all to give our group a try, regardless of our their home church or even no church. Attendance has varied; we’ve had anywhere from 10-32 attending, sitting six to a table. We have built lasting relationships, and what an exciting adventure “Son n Fun” is! We eat a meal, hear a devotional, pray, encourage, share through laughter and tears, support and love each other, and play a game called “Bunco” at the end of our meeting. The salt continues.
We began our seventh year on January 9, 2018, with 23 in attendance.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for ALWAYS being there for us. Thank You for the salt that is in us and for guiding us to use it to do Your will, to use our salt to encourage others to come. Amen.
Contributed by Patricia Vassaur
- Feb 28, 2018Day 16: Thursday, March 1st, 2018
Day 16: Thursday, March 1st, 2018
“…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”
Matthew 28:20“I turned to Jesus when I thought that I was going to die.”
My parents brought us up in the church, but we never paid attention when we were in church. At the age of 18, in October 1961, my family was in a hurricane shelter as category 5 Hurricane Hattie was approaching Belize City in the country of British Honduras. My younger brother Burley and I were told to go and stay at our house until 6:00 a.m. the next day to ensure that nobody would break into it. We took our friend Wilson with us. To me, it made no sense to leave a hurricane shelter and go home.
It started raining before we got home; at 7:45 p.m. our electricity went out so we had to use a hurricane lantern. The house had three bedrooms, so we each used a bedroom and slept in our clothes with our shoes on. I woke up at 2 a.m. The house was shaking and all the windows were blown off. I shouted to Burley and Wilson to get out of bed. We were unable to go through the twisted front door, so we jumped through one of the windows by the verandah and ran downstairs. We got into the street and heard the house crash to the ground, and I shouted, “Thank you, Jesus!”
From our house to the hurricane shelter was about ½ mile, but we were unable to make it there. The wind was blowing at 160 mph with gusts of 225 mph; we were in the hurricane getting battered by the wind and rain for three hours and five minutes until we reached a club, and they let us in. There were 35 of us in the club, and the building was about to fall. The man who ran the club took a crowbar and broke into the downstairs of a brick building. We had to leave there and go upstairs when the water came. We knocked on the door and a female voice said there was no more room, and I remembered Mary and Jesus. The woman eventually let us in, and that was how we were saved. The water eventually came up about 13 feet high.
I remembered Jesus said, “I am with you always.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord, May we always remember Your words when we need them most. Amen.
Contributed by Lennox Reid
- Feb 28, 2018Day 15: Wednesday,February 28th, 2018
Day 15: Wednesday,February 28th, 2018“Blessed are the pure in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”Matthew 5:3
Each week, I visit the nursing homes in our community. I felt called to go and nurture the elderly, giving them a little time and support. I felt it was something that I could do for others. When I go home after visiting, I reflect on each visit. They are so appreciative of the least little things. If I walk in with an Upper Room or a box of candy, you’d think I brought them the greatest gifts. They are just thankful that I came. It is someone other than family. It is like having a new or true friend.
I love visiting Annie Roe Buckley. She loves talking about her family and her dog. She loves sharing this joy with me. She is so very kind. All of her physical needs are met; she just loves to share her joy. Her spirit is so pure and beautiful, and I get to receive this from her! I am blessed.
I love to see Gussie Ashhurst. She just laughs and reflects on the happiness she has experienced throughout her life. She tells me about her, about her husband being a Methodist minister, and going to church in the nursing home.
When I visited Betty Nonnemacher, she would ask me about my faith. “Did I know Jesus?” She would tell of her walk of faith. She was such a blessing to me.
I think about Billie Laney. She was so kind. I didn’t know her, but I heard about her from church friends. When I went to see her, she was so gracious; I felt like I’d known her forever. She gave me a greater connection to our church. The memories of this beautiful lady warm my heart to this very day.
At first when I thought about visiting people in the nursing homes, I thought my role was to bring them comfort and support. I thought I was to share my love of Christ with them. I was wrong. I’m the one who is blessed by their pure joy. They give me comfort. They give me inner peace. They bring Christ’s love to me. I get to experience the pure spirits of these beautiful people. Each of us has a talent to serve. Serving in the nursing home brings me the greatest joy. I am truly blessed.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for showing us the way to serve. Thank You for guiding us with Your words. Your scriptures continue to teach us. Thank You for giving us people in our lives who show us their spirits and, in turn, allow our spirits to grow. Amen.
Contributed by Patti Monroe
- Feb 28, 2018Day 15: Wednesday, February 28th, 2018
Day 15: Wednesday, February 28th, 2018“Blessed are the pure in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”Matthew 5:3
Each week, I visit the nursing homes in our community. I felt called to go and nurture the elderly, giving them a little time and support. I felt it was something that I could do for others. When I go home after visiting, I reflect on each visit. They are so appreciative of the least little things. If I walk in with an Upper Room or a box of candy, you’d think I brought them the greatest gifts. They are just thankful that I came. It is someone other than family. It is like having a new or true friend.
I love visiting Annie Roe Buckley. She loves talking about her family and her dog. She loves sharing this joy with me. She is so very kind. All of her physical needs are met; she just loves to share her joy. Her spirit is so pure and beautiful, and I get to receive this from her! I am blessed.
I love to see Gussie Ashhurst. She just laughs and reflects on the happiness she has experienced throughout her life. She tells me about her, about her husband being a Methodist minister, and going to church in the nursing home.
When I visited Betty Nonnemacher, she would ask me about my faith. “Did I know Jesus?” She would tell of her walk of faith. She was such a blessing to me.
I think about Billie Laney. She was so kind. I didn’t know her, but I heard about her from church friends. When I went to see her, she was so gracious; I felt like I’d known her forever. She gave me a greater connection to our church. The memories of this beautiful lady warm my heart to this very day.
At first when I thought about visiting people in the nursing homes, I thought my role was to bring them comfort and support. I thought I was to share my love of Christ with them. I was wrong. I’m the one who is blessed by their pure joy. They give me comfort. They give me inner peace. They bring Christ’s love to me. I get to experience the pure spirits of these beautiful people. Each of us has a talent to serve. Serving in the nursing home brings me the greatest joy. I am truly blessed.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for showing us the way to serve. Thank You for guiding us with Your words. Your scriptures continue to teach us. Thank You for giving us people in our lives who show us their spirits and, in turn, allow our spirits to grow. Amen.
Contributed by Patti Monroe
- Feb 27, 2018Day 14: Tuesday, February 27th, 2018
Day 14: Tuesday, February 27th, 2018“…The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom is God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”Mark 1:15
Remember Christmas and ALL the "stuff" it took to get it done? We are now approaching Easter. Are we as driven in our preparation for Easter? No, there is a big difference. Let's look closer.
In 2016 Pope Francis had a different idea for Lent. He asked us to reconsider the heart of the Lent season, fasting. According to Francis, fasting should be carefully planned. Many of us will give up types of food, but Francis believes that you also need to do good for others with a loving heart. "Lent is a good time for penance and self-denial." I am going to put down my iPad and use my time to serve others with a loving heart.
In his annual Lenten message (2016), the Pope stated, "Indifference to our neighbor and to God also represents a real temptation for Christians. Each year during Lent we need to hear once more the voice of the prophets who cry out and trouble our conscience." We need to help others and not let someone else do it.
What are you giving up for Lent? It is a question a lot of people will get these next few weeks. Spend time in prayer, read the scriptures, and ask for guidance to open our eyes and hearts that we may serve others as Jesus taught us.
Prayer:
Praise God that we have the Lenten season to prepare for the Easter celebration. May God give us the hearts to look closer to our lives and make the adjustments needed to lead a more Christian life. Amen
Contributed by Sue Boudreaux
