Happy Mother's Day

 It's mother's day in my country.  It's a day to ponder how much the love of our mothers has done for us.  I know that's a bad sentence but it seems to pertain today.

  My mother died suddenly on April 25, 2009. She worked all day and then slumped over dead in her doctor's office a little after 8:00 PM.  

  For weeks before that I had been preaching to her about the dangers of alternative sweeteners.  Substances like aspartame, which the FDA approved of, are neurotoxins that mess with our brains.  I will always remember her angrily saying to me, "So you think aspartame is building up in my body?"  I calmly replied, "I know it is."  Would she listen?  A few months later she dropped dead.  GRRRRRR  

  So I've been motherless for 17 years.  I wish I could say I'm devastated with the loss of my mother but she was such a blockhead.  

  When God called us to home school our children, she threw a fit.  When God called Robert and I to adult immersion, she threw a fit.  When I kept having miscarriages, she threw a fit.  When we wanted to go back into farming, she threw a fit.  When I dropped out of my singing group because of laryngitis, she threw a fit.  When we started keeping the Sabbath, she threw a fit.  

  I think you get the picture.  My mother only approved of me when I fit into her narrow view of the world.  When God was trying to grow me up into a natural healing practitioner, that didn't fit with her "The doctor knows best" brainwashing.  Come to think of it, I can't think of too many things that I did that she approved of so I went on without her.

  When she dropped dead, I cried very hard for several weeks.  It was such a shock.  My growing children said  "Mom, why are you crying so hard?  She was your biggest enemy."  I had to ponder a bit as I saw their point.  Then I replied, "Because now there is no more hope that we might have a good relationship."  

  After that, things got better.  There were no more unrealistic expectations that some day mom would grow up and appreciate all that I was doing with my life.  Then a friend gave me a book called TOXIC PARENTS and I started to really heal.

  So yes, my mother taught me good things when I was growing up like how to garden and how to be a homemaker.  What she couldn't teach me was that these things can REALLY show love when done with a heart full of love.  

  My mother loved herself and her comforts money could buy.  Once she slapped me when I defiantly declared "Some people love their money more than they love their own family!"  I guess it hit a nerve because it was the truth.  Robert asked her to leave our house shortly after the slap.  There was no apology for the slap--no checking if I was ok--no love.

  So for those of you who really felt loved by your mothers, I am so happy for you.  For the rest of you, may the Lord be the comfort that you need to be a loving person even though it wasn't modeled for you.  The Lord is a GREAT lover of people.  May we all be like Him especially when our Earthly parents failed us terribly.

  If the word "Mother" does not bring all the warm fuzzies that others experience, this song is for you.  May you find peace in being the person God knows you can be and wants you to be.  

 Sad today,

  Dawn

Lessons from a Cemetary!

Recently I've been going through many changes.  My 2 daughters will have babies this Summer and I just learned last night about another big change coming this year. 

Not only that but next week my husband turns 70 years old.  It's hit us both hard as we ponder our family moving on without us a bit more every year.  

Last Sabbath Robert and I went walking through the local cemetery.  It was interesting to see who was all buried there.  We both felt the need to talk about where we'd like to be buried some day.

This man I've been wife to for 45 years is my soulmate for sure.  We walked around the tombstones and remembered the times we'd spent with several whose bodies are there.  In our minds we were pondering where we would like to be buried when it's our turn to go to our rewards.

We spent several hours walking together and alone.  I was praying for wisdom to understand what we were doing there.  Neither of us is sick.  Lots of people turn 70 but I vividly recalled the fatalistic doom that settled over me when I was turning 50.

Here we are 28 years later as God saw fit to keep us here.  Yet we know that we won't be here forever so we walked and talked--or didn't.

It amazed me how we both ended up under this huge Ponderosa Pine tree just like we used to have in our yard years ago before the tornado came through.  We talked then about how close it was to our field the Lord just gave us--how our sons could drive by Spring and Fall and see us there and know how much we did to give them a good life!!

It was kind of sad but peaceful too.  We've been different since then--better and closer.  When you're in your 20s, people are invincible.  In your 30s, you're a new parent and just tired.  In your 40s, people are starting to get a hold of parenting.  In your 50s, you end up dealing with your parent's decline.  In your 60s you're working hard to make sure your descendants have a good life.  In your 70s?  I guess we'll find out if the Lord continues blessing us with more years.

With everything going on in the world, it seems insignificant that Robert and I picked our final resting place together.  We do everything together and have for 45+ years.  Some day we may not.  That thought led me to this poem.

Robert is a good forgiver.  I haven't been as fluent in forgiveness as my husband is.  I've watched him, though, and his peace and calm have inspired me to lay it all down little by little.  I hope this poem will inspire each of my readers to lay down your grudges and abuses too.  

Happy Sabbath dear friends,

Dawn

Forgiveness

 by John Greenleaf Whittier

My heart was heavy, for its trust had been
Abused, its kindness answered with foul wrong;
So, turning gloomily from my fellow-men,
One summer Sabbath day I strolled among
The green mounds of the village burial-place;
Where, pondering how all human love and hate
Find one sad level; and how, soon or late,
Wronged and wrongdoer, each with meekened face,
And cold hands folded over a still heart,
Pass the green threshold of our common grave,
Whither all footsteps tend, whence none depart,
Awed for myself, and pitying my race,
Our common sorrow, like a mighty wave,
Swept all my pride away, and trembling I forgave!

What is your faith trying to conquer?

  My faith has been challenged as this tumor in my shoulder has been hanging around nearly half a year.  I've conquered cancer over 30 times at home with herbs and other natural healing tools.  This time it's been a real bugger but I think I've got it now.

  I saw recently about a supplement called SOURSOP.  Many people have had success with it so I ordered some.  This is my 5th day on it and the pain is definitely lessening.  YAY

  The reason I don't tell folks, when I first sense that cancer is back, is because I can't take all of the "Have you seen your doctor?"  First of all, I don't have a doctor other than the Great Physician.  It just adds stress to have people worrying about my decision to help my body conquer it as it has many times before.

  If you're there, too, it has been helpful in the past to answer these sincere concerns with a question.  "Do I have cancer because I have a lack of chemotherapy drugs?"  NOPE.  

  So I've been resting a lot and the Lord led me to an amazing tool that I won't share about now as I need to get to making supper.  This is not so much a healing tool as an empowering mentality.  More on that later,

  So I leave you with this devotional from the good folks over at THE PASSION TRANSLATION.  Of course you can guess the song that came to mind if you grew up in the hymns like me.

  I still covet your prayers for total restoration to health.

  Dawn

          

I Hear His Whisper...

Faith is your victory.

Faith is the victory that overcomes the power of this world. Walk in the paths I have chosen for you, and no one will be able to hinder you for long. Faith opens the doors and sets you in the right place at the right time. You will be amazed at the opportunities that greet you as you’re led by my Spirit. Many are my servants who step out with small faith and witness me working a great work. Never measure your faith by your fears, but insist that your fears submit to your faith. Your enemies fight in vain. Do not be discouraged by what can be seen with your eyes, but be filled with faith as you set your gaze on me. Faith is the force that lifts you above your enemies, because it enables you to see clearly. Embrace truth as your best friend. Marry wisdom, for she will be your perfect partner. Cherish my peace, and you will be kept far above the fray. Root yourself in my love, and faith will be the natural result.

I Hear His Whisper written by Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez

1 John 5:4–5 TPT

Every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. So who are the world conquerors, defeating its power? Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

How is being broken good?

 Hello everyone,

  I've been broken my whole life.  From the incest to the years as a farmer's wife complete with droughts and low prices for what we produce.  From the miscarriages to shingles on the brain to MS.  

  I think you get the picture.  I've always thought there was something wrong with me  My family members have said "Why do so many bad things keep happening to you?"  

  It's been hard to want to keep living with all of the pain.  It's hard to want to keep living with all of the sorrow and grief.  So many times I have begged the Father to take me home and every time He says "You have work to do yet."  sigh

  This song has me thinking about all of this.  Is it really BETTER to be BROKEN?  I'm going to have to ponder that but this song sure has me wondering about my feeling useless because I am a cripple.  Can God really use me yet?

  If you're there with me, here's a hug.  I am glad you're still here!!!  We need each other.

  Here's to God putting us back together just the way He needs us to be.

  Dawn

What are you standing on?

Today Dr. McGee started the study of Genesis.  Until I can figure out how to embed the link into each post, I'll have to share it like this.  Hopefully it will take you to the page where you can listen to today's lesson.  

 https://ttb.org/share/eyJuIjoiR2VuZXNpcyAxIEludHJvIiwiaSI6IkdFTiIsInQiOiIiLCJmIjoidG9kYXlfc3R1ZHkiLCJ4Ijo0LCJzIjoiMTI0NiIsImQiOiIyMDI2LTA0LTE3In0%3D

  I will say that, many years ago I was introduced to Dr. McGee's teachings.  I'm sure it was the enemy who tried to keep me from listening intently.  I know better now as I don't want to miss a single nugget of truth.

  I really like how Dr. McGee doesn't act as if he knows everything about the Bible.  He knows a lot but only God knows everything.  Still, Dr. McGee encourages people to see that we can continue learning more about God from His word by reading and studying it over and over.  I suppose this is because, as we grow and mature, we can grasp more of what's being taught.

  Here's a song about the value of hiding God's word in our hearts.  I learned this song when I was a little girl and it does my heart good to hear my grandchildren singing it too.   Let's stand alone on the word of God!

  Happy Sabbath everyone,

  Dawn 

Ready to get on the Bible bus with me?

 Hello everyone,

  How are you all doing today?  It's starting to warm up here in North Dakota.  Yesterday the temp reached SEVENTY DEGREES!!!  The snow is all melted and there is mud everywhere.  Being we live in a very dry part of the country, we are thankful for these late snows that brought much needed moisture.  

  Yesterday I hosted our community ladies for our monthly Bible study.  We studied Ephesians 2.  God has much to say about salvation being a gift from God.  This means that we need to come to Him as we are.  There is no amount of cleaning ourselves up to impress God as His word says our righteousness is as filthy rags to Him!

  All we need to do is admit that we're sinners and ask Him to forgive us our sins and put them all under Jesus shed blood on the cross.  Then invite in the Holy Spirit who changes us to be the children that God always knew we could be.  That's why He loves us so much--he sees the difference that He can make in our lives when we invite Him in.

  I have a new project in this regard.  I've been getting irritating phone calls on my cell.  They call and say nothing sometimes 5 or 6 times a day.  I was getting perturbed from all of the interruptions when I asked the Lord what to do about it.  He shared an idea with me and it changed everything.

  Now, when a strange number calls me, I talk to them.  I tell them the plan of salvation.  I tell them that Jesus died on the cross for all of our sins.  I tell them that all we need to do is to tell Jesus that we know we're sinners.  Then ask Him to forgive our sins and put them under His shed blood.  The last step is to ask God the Father to erase all of the charges in our books of life that satan is using as grounds to attack us.  

  As you might imagine, not everyone listens to the end.  I'm surprised, though, how many listen for quite a while.  When they hang up on my message, I pray for them to accept Christ.  THEY have made ME a missionary and I don't even have to leave home.  HOW COOL IS THAT?  God makes even cripples like me useful for His purposes and I so do love Him for that!!!

  The main reason I'm writing today is to share an opportunity we all have. I'm copying from my Facebook page.

  The past couple of years I've learned so much by listening to this daily broadcast. Dr. J. Vernon McGee has gone to live with Jesus but his teachings go on. They call it the "Bible bus" and people listen around the world. It takes Dr. McGee 5 years to go through the Bible. He just finished Revelations and tomorrow he begins anew in Genesis. Perhaps you want to get on the Bible bus with me?

You can go to ttb.org to find where to listen on your local Christian radio station or you can get the app on your phone.

I have learned so much about God's faithfulness by listening to Dr. McGee's broadcasts. He has a wealth of knowledge about life during Bible times that brings the Word of God to life. Tomorrow he starts in Genesis 1.

Guess what. I just found the message for tomorrow. This is giving me an idea. I've been praying for something useful to share daily with you all. What if I were to share the Bible bus message for the day here? Well, listen to this and see what you think.

To quote Dr. McGee as he closes each lesson "May God richly bless you my beloved!"

Dawn

Let it go

 

  How many of you were told "Shame on you" for some minor mistake when you were growing up?  Did you know that shame is the LOWEST vibration on Earth?  

  The reason putting shame on others is because it makes the person the problem and not what was done.  Look, we're ALL sinners and we all know it.  For a parent to put shame on a child they are crippling the child for life.  Bosses shouldn't do this either.  

  Nobody should put themselves in the place of God to put shame on someone else.  In fact, as we learn in today's devotional, even GOD doesn't shame people.  God knows we're sinners and yet HE loves us.  This takes some thinking as we ponder how we treat other people when they dissapoint us or sin against us.

  

  God says "Release shame to me."  How do you do that?  For me, I see a balloon full of what I'm trying to release to God--shame, hatred, jealousy.  Whatever is keeping me from feeling His love, I see as filling a balloon that sits right in front of my face.  I look through that balloon and see all of life as hopeless.

  You can do this.  See all of the ugly emotions that you don't seem to be able to get rid of as filling a balloon.  Now see yourself holding that balloon.  Now open your hand and let it go.  Watch it soar up to Heaven until you can't see it any more.  That's how I release the things that keep me from fully serving the Lord.  You may have another way.  The point is to give it to God.  This will please Him sooo much.

  Gotta go make supper.  

  

I Hear His Whisper...

Release shame to me.

My blood is the fire of purity that washes every sin away. To hold on to shame is to refuse the gift that I’ve given you—the gift of freedom. Maintaining those feelings of guilt won’t make you a better person. Accept my forgiveness and forgive yourself, and I will heal your heart and set you free. Put sin behind you. Once you’ve repented for what you’ve done or neglected to do, I’ve forgiven you. If you haven’t asked for forgiveness, you only need to ask, and I will pour it out like rain. My mercy is never-ending, and there is nothing my mercy does not cover. I don’t want you to live with a mindset of What if I would have…? or What if I wouldn’t have…? Don’t allow the past to hold such a strong grip on you that you forget the price I paid to set you free. Guilt is a trap of the enemy—a ploy to keep you so focused on yourself and your mistakes that you lose sight of my grace. If you will come to me today and give me your shame, I will heal your heart. Forgive yourself and embrace my grace.

I Hear His Whisper written by Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez

John 8:36 TPT

“If the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free!”

HELLO Spring!

Hello everyone,

  It's Springtime here in North Dakota, USA. YAYYYYYY!

  As farmers, we prepare for Spring all Winter long.  Our men removed the worn out parts on our 36 row corn planter.  They replaced all of the worn parts, of which there were many, with new parts.  They worked in the few hours they had left at the end of the day after working at the seed cleaning facility.  They worked during blizzards when nobody would travel to get their grain cleaned.  They worked in the mornings, if sleep left them, before driving the 20 miles to clean grain. Finally the planter is nearly ready to go out in the field.

  It will still be a couple of weeks until seeding begins.  Today it is SEVENTY degrees so there won't be any snow left by tonight I would think.  After the snow is all melted, the Earth must drink up all of the melted snow.  We also had a tiny rain fall this morning which we welcome.  Finally, when most of the fields are dry, they will begin planting.  I'll show you pictures then as I love riding with Jacob in the tractor.  

  I have another prayer request.  I come to you with my needs and you pray and things become clear to me OR a mountain moves out of the way.  I feel your prayers and I bless you for each one!!!!

  So, as you know if you've read here long, I have struggled with multiple sclerosis for over 25 years.  I LOVE to garden.  It's such good therapy once I get there.  My garden is not far from my house but some days walking to my kitchen is extremely painful.  Last Fall, when I had no strength to clean my garden off, I made the decision that it was my last garden.  I was at peace.

  HOWEVER, all Winter I have been praying for the Lord to make it clear if He wants me to REALLY retire from gardening.  I have gardened all my life--first with my mother, then with my children, and finally all by myself.  

  The real complication is that my daughter is due to have her 5th child in mid July.  The last 3 have all been premie babies with 3 week NICU stays.  Although we're all praying that this baby goes full term, we have done so with the other children too.  

  Now, with this pregnancy my daughter has found a midwife who works with high risk moms.  She has Cora using more progesterone and more protein in her diet.  This, according to her midwife, has been helping her moms go full term.  

  If Cora were to go full term, she would probably only need me about 1 week.  If not, she will need me there, at a minimum, 3 weeks and possibly up to 5 weeks.  Can you imagine a garden without my care for that long?

  So you see my reluctance to take the time, money, and energy to plant a garden.  Yet, life without a garden seems like no life at all.  PLEASE pray that the Lord gives me peace.  It's almost time to plant the onions and potatoes.  HMMMMMMMMMMMMM  I really need peace and direction from the Lord in this matter.

  I love poetry and went in search of one for all of us to enjoy.  This one is very special as it captures the joys we feel as  brutal Winter leaves and gentle Spring comes in.  Happy Spring everyone.

  Dawn

 Welcome Spring!

“Let all who put their trust in You rejoice. Let them shout for joy forever because You cover them. Let those who love Your name be joyful in You.” (Psalm 5:11).

Welcome Spring! A thousand flowers bloom,
Radiant in vibrant hues unfurled,
Their fragrance fills the wakening world.
Swallows soar through morning’s room,
Heralds bringing tidings of delight
To every doorstep, every home in sight.
In peaceful gardens, freshly green,
Bees and butterflies dance between
The nodding blooms in joyful play,
While voices lift in songs that say
Welcome to this blessed Spring day!

Welcome Spring! My heart rejoices,
In the Lord whose blessings flow
Like streams that melt from winter’s snow.
Leaves and petals whisper voices,
Sweet spring fragrance fills the air,
Making sacred every path we share.
A song of praise I raise above,
Celebrating endless love,
For He who guides through passing years,
Brings joy and gladness, calms all fears,
His grace in every spring appears.

In His love, my spirit glows,
Life fulfilled in every way,
As countless springs pass, day by day.
Each blessing that the Father shows
I count in silence, treasure deep
Within my heart, forever keep.
Before You, Lord, I humbly bow,
Each spring of grace reveals somehow
Your love renewed in countless ways.
Forever in Your light I’ll stay,
Forever will my soul give praise.

Welcome Spring! My spirit soars,
Overflowing with divine grace.
God grants us spring in every place—
In life, in soul, behind all doors.
Peace flows like rivers through my days
While spirit sings its songs of praise.
The Lord still guides with gentle hand
Through seasons as they shift like sand,
Through all the years that lie ahead,
Till joy and happiness are spread
Like spring eternal, heaven-fed.

Claude AI
12/23/2024

Have you found THE CHOSEN?

 Robert and I have been watching THE CHOSEN for about a month--a little bit each night.  It is absolutely mind expanding to ponder the life of Christ from His disciples perspective.  Last night they watched Jesus raise his dear friend, Lazarus, from the dead.  You will be blessed if you watch THE CHOSEN.  I'll see if I can find a segment for you to watch.  Here it is on YouTube.  WOWWWWWWWWWWWW    

  Our faith pleases God.  Here's to the victories to come from our putting our faith in God!  

  Later,

  Dawn

I Hear His Whisper...

Faith is your victory.

Faith is the victory that overcomes the power of this world. Walk in the paths I have chosen for you, and no one will be able to hinder you for long. Faith opens the doors and sets you in the right place at the right time. You will be amazed at the opportunities that greet you as you’re led by my Spirit. Many are my servants who step out with small faith and witness me working a great work. Never measure your faith by your fears, but insist that your fears submit to your faith. Your enemies fight in vain. Do not be discouraged by what can be seen with your eyes, but be filled with faith as you set your gaze on me. Faith is the force that lifts you above your enemies, because it enables you to see clearly. Embrace truth as your best friend. Marry wisdom, for she will be your perfect partner. Cherish my peace, and you will be kept far above the fray. Root yourself in my love, and faith will be the natural result.

I Hear His Whisper written by Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez

1 John 5:4–5 TPT

Every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. So who are the world conquerors, defeating its power? Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

JOY in THIS circumstance?

I don't know if any of you have ever poured yourself into a situation, aiming to be a blessing, only to have your intentions misunderstood ending in you being rejected.  Boy is that ever the story of my life.  

  I never really expected to find a poem about this, let alone one calling it a joy, but here it is.  Maybe someone will be blessed by it.

  

  I can honestly say that it doesn't feel like a joy.  NOPE.  I'm glad that Robert and I are watching THE CHOSEN right now so we see how God shapes us through times like this.  I hope he takes advantage of shaping me through this as it sure doesn't feel like joy.

  
  Dawn

PS  I just thought of this song.  It's the very first Booth Brothers song I ever heard and it seems appropriate today.

  

         THE JOYS OF BEING MISUNDERSTOOD

Being misunderstood is the epitome of my life, such strife!
It has caused. Oh my god! Good grief! I repeat and appear odd.
Good intentions misconstrued. I feel rude, call me a
scrooge, there’s no reason why I have this ‘tude!

For lack of understanding, I must plan—the
End and beginning. To be winning one must lose.
Do you choose, or shall I.  My, my, I wish we all can make it.

The joys of showing kindness—such blindness to harmful
others. Oh brother! Do you see what I am missing? Persistence
to aid and nurture. It’s a torture!

Elation-filled dreams without screams or cries!
Could I. Could I really have?! Do the math, it won’t
happen. One must go through pain to learn a lesson.

A Blessing or a Curse? I rehearse these words through
and through. Is it my fault my ideas and executions
are misconstrued? My, my, is it I
that is the cause of my own destruction? My head’s rushing.

A Blessing or a Curse? I rehearse these words through
and through. It must be true. It’s my fault my ideas and executions
are misconstrued. My, my, it is I that is the
cause of my own destruction. Listen close to instructions to relieve this mind concussion.

Being misunderstood is something good and will bring great
Joy! Oh boy! Be prepared, not scared, just aware
of the eyes.
A window to the soul, fall in, and it begins all over again.

So wait, should I stare?! There’s a glare
in my glasses. Reactions are destined to happen,
find joy.

© Mar 2015, Diamond Alexus Paulk   personal • conflict • life • life1   

 Like (1) 

God understands!

 Hi everyone,

  I'm writing to ask you to pray for my daughter.  She's about half way through her 5th pregnancy.  Cora has had 4 c sections and faces another.  Something about her pregnancy seems heavy on my heart.  Please pray that she and baby will go full term or at whatever term will preserve both of their lives.  

  I am rejoicing that God gave them a woman to come into their home 5 days a week to help with the children so Cora can rest more.  THIS IS SUCH AN ANSWER TO PRAYER.  However this week Cora's helper has been sick and the heaviness I feel as I pray for my daughter has increased.  I know many of you are prayer warriors as things change for the better when I ask you all to pray.  May God bless you for each and every prayer you have sent Heavenward for me and my family.

  Maybe the pregnancy is weighing on me more since I'm dealing with cancer right now.  Over 30 times I have conquered cancer at home with herbs and many other tools that I have at my disposal.  However, this time it's lingering way past usual.  I would appreciate prayers too.

  This devotional blessed me and I pray it will bless you too.  Although your prayers have often gotten me through tough times, I have no desire to weigh you down.  I started this blog more than a decade ago to help my readers have hope.  That has not changed.  As I pondered how to bless you all today, the Lord led me to this email from THE PASSION TRANSLATION.  Now I'll look for an encouraging song too.

  I have a friend named Gail.  We grew up together and sang together in our church choir all the years of our youths.  Now we're both close to 70 years old and neither one of us is strong physically.  We both have large families with many grandchildren that we love nearly as much as we love our children.  Some days, when my spirits are low, Gail will send me a song.  I listen and am strengthened because praising God drives out the enemy who try to make us fail.  Here's to Gail and all of you encouragers out there.  I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

  I'll see what song Father wants me to share with you today but first these thoughts.  I'll close after I find the song we're to ponder today.  I hope it blesses you as it has me.

  Dawn

  

Encounter God’s Heart…

Divine Setups

Spend some time in Genesis chapter 24, and you will be amazed at the way God answered Eliezer’s prayer. Not only had the Lord given him a wife for Isaac, but he also led Eliezer to precisely the type of woman Abraham sent him to find for his son. Many times, we chalk up chance meetings or random conversations as nothing more than happenstance. We dismiss them quickly and therefore miss one of God’s divine setups. When we’re only looking for answers to prayer to come in expected ways, we risk missing the opportunities that present themselves. We stand back, scratching our heads, wondering why breakthrough hasn’t happened when all along God has been trying to get our attention, and we didn’t notice. Let’s keep our eyes open and our spirits in tune with the Spirit of God so we don’t miss the blessings that are right in front of us. Father, teach me to live in tune with your Spirit. Lead me. Don’t let me miss out on a single thing. Too often, I miss the opportunities you create for me, but I’m learning to be sensitive, to pay attention, and to not overlook your blessings. Grace me with the ability to become more aware.

From Firstfruits written by Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez

 Hello everyone,

  I love this devotional.  He IS everything that we need!!  

  I'm excited because Robert and I get to go visit our daughter, and her precious family, this weekend.  With planting right around the corner, we thought we would go and spend some time with them before things get crazy here on the farm. 

  Next weekend Robert and I are traveling again to attend the North Dakota Republican convention.  PLEASE keep this event in your prayers as there's a BIG rift forming in our party.  It's so big that it may split the party and, those of us who have been marginalized for decades, are of differing opinions on how to handle it.  

  Your prayers have helped me countless times!  I can't put into words how grateful I am for knowing that I can come here and ask for prayer support.  Then the Lord works things out for His glory and my heart sings for joy!!!  I pray for you often too!  That's why I like to share encouragement here for those of you who may be unsure of the next step.  May this song encourage you as it has me many times.

   May God bless you as you lift up others around you to the Father.  He knows what each of us needs and has GREAT provision to meet our EVERY need!

  Dawn

Encounter God’s Heart…

Provision and Protection

  When we are invited into the family of God, he provides what we need. There is more than enough grain to feed us, there is water to quench our thirst, and there is protection from the meddling of others. We have all that we need in the covering of Jesus Christ. He is both our provision and our protection.

When we are following the Lord, he will give us directions to help us on the way. There will be people he sets in our path who will help us to know which way to go. The community of faithful lovers of God who are already working to bring in the harvest will cue us in where to go when we have no idea otherwise. The Spirit is our Living Water, the source of our refreshment and rejuvenation. There is more than enough in his presence to satisfy us whenever we are weary.

Spirit, you are my abundant portion at all times. Thank you for your presence and your power in my life. I love you!

From Courage to Conquer written by Brian Simmons May