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  • Blueprint for a Blessed Life:

    The psalms are beautiful and were the original worship songs for the Israelites. Many of them were written by David throughout his life. Today, we’ll will focus on the first verse of the first psalm.

    Blessed is the man
    Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners,
    Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;     Psalm 1:1 NKJV

    We’ll take a look at the above scripture verse and break it down. But to sum it up, it’s what a righteous man does not do. I find this scripture verse to be comforting. My prayer is that as we break it down, it will be a blessing and comfort to you as well.

    Blessed is the man

    The word blessed is from the Hebrew word esher and conveys the idea of happiness or contentment. Esher comes from the root word is ashar which means “to be straight” or “to be right”. It refers to a man or woman who is “right” or “straight” with God. Basically, a happy man or woman.

    In Hebrew, the word is plural, meaning the person has multiple blessings or intensified blessings.

    It is not just for those who have incredible accolades (like kings, or scholars or the wealthy).  But also for the common man. Charles Spurgeon commented: “This blessedness is as attainable by the poor, the forgotten, and the obscure, as by those whose names figure in history, and have immense fame.”

    Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

    The blessed man does not do certain things. He won’t walk or stand on a certain path, nor will he sit in a place where he shouldn’t be. The blessed man thinks and behaves differently than an ungodly man. They fall into different groups of people.

    It also gives a clear insight to the progression of sin. It is insidious. One act leads to another. So, the man who acts on bad counsel, may begin to do evil deeds and it progresses until his life is in a total shambles.

    When the ungodly have counsel, the righteous man will not take it. Today, we are bombarded with advice from every place you can think of from YouTube, Twitter (now X), Instagram… you name it. The righteous man knows how to discern the counsel of the ungodly.

    It’s sad to know how many fail here. Many don’t even consider if the counsel is godly or ungodly.  They hear the advice and don’t consider if it’s godly or not. They simply jump on the bandwagon.

    Sadly, man’s own conscience, his own mind, his own heart, can give him ungodly counsel. The key here is to be and stay in the Word of God. God’s word is always the best counselor, with the Holy Spirit as your teacher.  Godly counselors will always bring the truth of God’s word to help someone who wants counseling. Check out Psalm 119:24.

     Nor stands in the path of sinners,

    A righteous man knows that the sinner’s path is wrong for him. Path speaks of a way, a road, or a direction. The righteous man will not travel in the same direction as a sinner.

    Nor is a righteous man afraid to take a less-traveled road because he knows it will lead to happiness, blessings, and eternal life.

    Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Mattew 7:13

    And a righteous man is confident in his path. And God has a path for each man that will lead to enormous blessings. (And it’s not always monetary.)

    You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

     Nor sits in the seat of the scornful

    What is a scornful person? They love to sit and criticize the people and things of God. You see it all over the internet but the righteous man won’t stand for it.

    When others put down Christians, it’s easy to sit among them and join the fray of criticism. Christians have a lot of things that people can take stabs at. But it is wrong for Christians to do that because then they become the scornful.

    Instead, Christians should always stand up and show others he or she is a follower of Christ.

    In conclusion, a blessed person listens to advice from godly counselors but should always line up that advice with what the Bible says. (In most cases, they will refer the righteous person to scripture passages that back up the advice. And not just one, but many.) The righteous person will stand tall and make a claim of being a child of God and a Christian.

    What are you thoughts of about this passage?  Give comments below.

     

  • The PRAY Method:

    Recently, on a Sunday morning at church a young lady I’d seen at various services but had never met,  greeted me at the door. She commented on how I pray in our Wednesday and Sunday evening prayer time.  Her words startled me. I had expected, “I love how you belt out your prayers.”

    The reason I was surprised was because it took me many years to have enough confidence to pray out loud within a group setting, even if it was just a few people.  These days, it could be anywhere from ten to thirty people and sometimes more in those group settings.

    I was raised in a household where the same prayers were said over and over and over again.

    As I look back, I can see how God was moving me little by little in a direction He wanted me to go (I rebelled on many occasions, and I suffered the consequences of that rebellion just like any other child of God).

    It all started when I was taking classes as an eight year old to make my first communion, I remember asking the Sister (the nun who was teaching our class), what prayers do I say when I come back from communion. Somehow, her response didn’t seem out of the ordinary… not then and certainly not now.

    What was her response?

    “Talk to Jesus as if He were standing right in front of you.”

    I took her suggestion and “talked” to Jesus after communion from that first time until now. But that wasn’t standard practice in the Catholic faith. While I continued to go to the Catholic church, it was just a routine. There was no relationship there other than when I had communion. And even then, I wondered if Jesus heard me talking to Him. (Today, I know He did… because He stood beside me throughout all my trials… I just didn’t see it then.)

    Years went by, and I suffered through a traumatic divorce. It was an exceptionally low time in my life. I didn’t have an education (other than high school), and couldn’t find a job, plus I had two grade-school aged children.  How would I manage?

    My brother’s wife suggested I meet with some ladies and they would pray for me. I figured it couldn’t hurt and it might help.

    When I went there, these lovely women prayed for me. At the end of our time, one of them asked a very insightful question: “Do you know where you are going when you die?”

    At that moment I really wasn’t sure if I was going to heaven or hell, but I desperately wanted to go to heaven. I prayed the sinner’s prayer that night and was encouraged to attend church with them. One of the women waited for me outside the church (at the time we were meeting in a high school auditorium).

    I’d never been to a service quite like that one and I became hungry to know more. I tell you all of this just to get to the part where I learned to pray.

    I wanted to be effective in my praying. My first pastor told us the Lord’s prayer is a model for how to pray. I didn’t know that. We were never taught from the Bible other than the small set of verses said in mass every week.

    Matthew 6:7-8 tells us not to use vain repetition, because He already knows what we have need of.

    But I was struck by the first part of Matthew 6:9, where the Jesus tells His disciples, “In this manner, therefore pray:”  It doesn’t say to pray that prayer, although you can… on occasion. Just don’t be rote about it.

    Our pastor gave a message on prayer that has stayed with me ever since. Oh, I’ve heard other acronyms over the years to help with prayer… but the acronym PRAY seemed the easiest for me to remember.

    P=Praise

    Praise God for who He is and what He has done for you.  If you have trouble finding words to praise Him… turn to the Psalms to help you.  (Even if you have to read them to start your prayer time… it’s a good thing!) Mix and match as the spirit leads!

    • Psalm 8 and Psalm 19 speak of God’s Majesty
    • Psalm 47 and Psalm 96 speak of God’s Sovereignty.
    • Psalm 103 and Psalm 145 speak of God’s Goodness and Faithfulness
    • Psalm 148 and Psalm 150 gives praise to God for all creation.

    R=Repent and give thanks

    Ask forgiveness for sins you have committed, the known and unknown sins. No one is sinless and God will forgive you, if you repent and turn away from it… At least try to turn away from it.

    Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

    Give thanks for the blessings in your life. I usually thank God for His provision, for my family, my church and any other thing that comes to mind because it is all His anyway.

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

    A=Ask for others

    This is where you pray for others. It can be anything from health, to relationships, to finances, to whatever is going on in your family and friends’ lives. You can even extend the prayers to other nations and peoples.

    (My husband and I pray from our weekly prayer list that we get from our church, but you can start your own prayer list with a journal.)

    Y=Ask for Yourself

    Pray about your needs by asking the Lord to favor you after you have praised Him, asked for forgiveness, and prayed for others showing a true humble spirit.

    I have found this method to be an effective way to pray. Not only do your words not become rote but you find more and more to pray about.

    I remember my prayer time was short when I first started praying this way, as time went by, (and I commuted about thirty minutes to work) I found that was the best time for me to pray. So it was on the way to work and on the way home that became my prayer time. It worked for me back then. My prayer time has evolved, and I pray throughout the day, after my husband and I pray corporately. It’s great to get into the habit of doing it.

    Find a time that works for you.  How do you pray? Do you have a method? Please share your thoughts below.

     

  • Dating God’s Way:

    Since I’m a contemporary inspirational (Christian) romance author I wanted to research the five stages of dating from a Christian perspective.

    Dating is an exciting and significant journey, especially when approached with a Christ-centered mindset. Understanding the five stages of dating can help couples navigate their relationships intentionally and honor God through every step.

    The five stages I “googled” did not make sense from a Christian perspective, I finally found ones that made sense.

    1. An initial attraction spurs a glimmer of interest

    The first stage of dating begins with attraction. This might be physical, emotional, or spiritual—a spark that piques your curiosity. As Christians, it’s important to evaluate whether this attraction aligns with biblical principles.

     

    1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV tells us,  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

    It’s important to look at the person’s heart as God looks at our hearts. Ask yourself these questions:  Does this person share my faith and values? Is their character rooted in Christ? Does he or she lovingly interact with their family?

     

    1. Lay a strong foundation by building a friendship

    Friendship is the cornerstone of any lasting relationship. During this stage, spend time getting to know each other in group settings or casual conversations. Look for compatibility, shared interests, and most importantly, shared faith. Building trust and respect starts here. It is key. Pray for wisdom as you discern if this relationship should move forward.

    Proverbs 27:17 tells us “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of of his friend.”   

    Ask yourself these questions:  Does this person share my interests and goals? Is he or she easy to talk to?  Does his or her faith line up with yours?

     

    1. Establishing purpose as you date intentionally

    Once mutual interest and trust are established, couples enter the intentional dating stage. This is where you move from casual interactions to deeper conversations about life goals, values, and your faith journeys. Be open about your intentions—dating with the purpose of glorifying God and potentially moving toward marriage.

    Psalm 37:5 tells us “Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.”

    Pray together and ask godly couples from your church community to mentor you.

     

    1. Grow in Unity through the deepening of the relationship:

    Couples deepen their connection through shared experiences, vulnerability, and trust. It’s a time to evaluate whether you complement one another’s spiritual, emotional, and relational needs. Discuss topics like finances, family, and ministry goals to ensure alignment.

    Amos 3:3 tells “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?”

    Be alert if disagreements arise. Handle them with grace and seek discernment and guidance from God. Watch for patterns of unresolved conflict or spiritual misalignment. It’s better to cut the relationship before marriage. Many times, important things are overlooked and that can lead to heartache later on. (Speaking from a voice of experience here.)

     

    1. Engagement, a time for marriage preparation.

    Engagement is a joyful and sacred season of preparation. Use this time to deepen your relationship with God and each other. Premarital counseling can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas to grow as a couple. Stay committed to purity and honor God in your plans.

    Psalm 127:1a tells us “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it;”

    Plan your wedding, but also prepare for your marriage—a lifelong covenant.

    Finally, dating as a Christian is about more than finding “the one.” It’s about honoring God in your relationships and growing closer to Him through the process. At every stage, pray for wisdom, seek godly counsel, and trust God’s perfect timing.

    Which stage of dating do you find most challenging? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!

  • Dating God’s Way:

    Since I’m a contemporary inspirational (Christian) romance author I wanted to research the five stages of dating from a Christian perspective.

    Dating is an exciting and significant journey, especially when approached with a Christ-centered mindset. Understanding the five stages of dating can help couples navigate their relationships intentionally and honor God through every step.

    The five stages I “googled” did not make sense from a Christian perspective, I finally found ones that made sense.

    1. An initial attraction spurs a glimmer of interest

    The first stage of dating begins with attraction. This might be physical, emotional, or spiritual—a spark that piques your curiosity. As Christians, it’s important to evaluate whether this attraction aligns with biblical principles.

     

    1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV tells us,  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

    It’s important to look at the person’s heart as God looks at our hearts. Ask yourself these questions:  Does this person share my faith and values? Is their character rooted in Christ? Does he or she lovingly interact with their family?

     

    1. Lay a strong foundation by building a friendship

    Friendship is the cornerstone of any lasting relationship. During this stage, spend time getting to know each other in group settings or casual conversations. Look for compatibility, shared interests, and most importantly, shared faith. Building trust and respect starts here. It is key. Pray for wisdom as you discern if this relationship should move forward.

    Proverbs 27:17 tells us “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of of his friend.”   

    Ask yourself these questions:  Does this person share my interests and goals? Is he or she easy to talk to?  Does his or her faith line up with yours?

     

    1. Establishing purpose as you date intentionally

    Once mutual interest and trust are established, couples enter the intentional dating stage. This is where you move from casual interactions to deeper conversations about life goals, values, and your faith journeys. Be open about your intentions—dating with the purpose of glorifying God and potentially moving toward marriage.

    Psalm 37:5 tells us “Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.”

    Pray together and ask godly couples from your church community to mentor you.

     

    1. Grow in Unity through the deepening of the relationship:

    Couples deepen their connection through shared experiences, vulnerability, and trust. It’s a time to evaluate whether you complement one another’s spiritual, emotional, and relational needs. Discuss topics like finances, family, and ministry goals to ensure alignment.

    Amos 3:3 tells “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?”

    Be alert if disagreements arise. Handle them with grace and seek discernment and guidance from God. Watch for patterns of unresolved conflict or spiritual misalignment. It’s better to cut the relationship before marriage. Many times, important things are overlooked and that can lead to heartache later on. (Speaking from a voice of experience here.)

     

    1. Engagement, a time for marriage preparation.

    Engagement is a joyful and sacred season of preparation. Use this time to deepen your relationship with God and each other. Premarital counseling can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas to grow as a couple. Stay committed to purity and honor God in your plans.

    Psalm 127:1a tells us “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it;”

    Plan your wedding, but also prepare for your marriage—a lifelong covenant.

    Finally, dating as a Christian is about more than finding “the one.” It’s about honoring God in your relationships and growing closer to Him through the process. At every stage, pray for wisdom, seek godly counsel, and trust God’s perfect timing.

    Which stage of dating do you find most challenging? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!

  • From Overwhelmed to Organized

    Like most people (at least the ones I know), I started the year with great intentions. But that’s all they were—until a few years ago when my eldest daughter shared how she plans for the new year starting in December.

    At first, I didn’t think much about her process. I’d always been task-oriented and focused on what needed to get done, both in my work and personal life. I was a planner with endless checklists, and while I accomplished plenty, it was hard to measure what I’d achieved over 365 days, 8,760 hours, or 525,600 minutes. Looking back, I realized I wasn’t tracking my progress in a meaningful way.

    Last year, inspired by my daughter, I planned my entire year—not month by month, but task by task. My list lived on my phone, where it was easy to access and check off items. I organized it into three categories: Personal (household chores, self-care, etc.), Financial (budgeting and organization), and Writing (how many novels I’d write, classes I’d take, and social media goals to connect with readers).

    Did I achieve everything? No, but I got about 75% of my tasks done, and I had a LOT on that list. My husband teases me for trying to fit five pounds into a two-pound bag, but I’ve learned that having a plan—even an ambitious one—gets me further than having no plan at all.

    After publishing my most recent book, Across Oceans Through Time: A Story of Enduring Love, I dedicated December to planning the year ahead. Using the same three categories, I rolled over unfinished tasks from the previous year and added new ones. Unfortunately, life threw a curveball: both my husband and I fell ill during our Christmas road trip to visit family. As a result, I’m still finalizing my plan, but I’ve embraced the mantra: better late than never.

    One of my goals this year is to return to writing short blog posts. I’ve missed blogging and realized how much I enjoy it. So here I am, sharing not just my planning journey but also some practical tips that has helped me tackle one of life’s dreaded chores: managing paper clutter.

    The key question: what do you keep, and what do you pitch? Here’s my system:

    One Month (For Paper Lovers)

    • Receipts for non-deductible items: I prefer electronic receipts but keep a plastic zip envelope for deductible ones.
    • Deposit slips and ATM slips: Rarely needed, but I save them briefly.
    • Reconciled bank statements: These are electronic, so I keep them indefinitely.

    One to Three Years

    • Checkbook ledgers, paycheck stubs, mortgage statements, and insurance records: All electronic now.
    • Charitable contributions and proof of deductible purchases: A mix of paper and electronic files.

    At Least Seven Years

    • Tax returns and supporting documents: These include W-2s, 1099s, medical bills, and mileage records. Most are digital.

    Forever (Stored in a Fireproof Safe)

    • Vital documents: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, auto titles, and investment statements.
    • Major receipts: For home improvements and significant purchases.
    • Estate planning documents: Wills, insurance policies, and retirement plans.

    Last year, I tackled the monumental task of sorting through my late mother’s estate documents and organizing decades of family records. Using expandable plastic folders, I created a system for each family member. It was a huge accomplishment—and one I’m incredibly proud of.

    For shredding, I keep a banker’s box in the garage. Each year, I take it to a community shredding event and start fresh.

    Everyone’s method will differ, but the key is finding a process you’ll stick with. What works for you? I’d love to hear your tips—maybe I’ll learn something new!

     

  • From Overwhelmed to Organized

    Like most people (at least the ones I know), I started the year with great intentions. But that’s all they were—until a few years ago when my eldest daughter shared how she plans for the new year starting in December.

    At first, I didn’t think much about her process. I’d always been task-oriented and focused on what needed to get done, both in my work and personal life. I was a planner with endless checklists, and while I accomplished plenty, it was hard to measure what I’d achieved over 365 days, 8,760 hours, or 525,600 minutes. Looking back, I realized I wasn’t tracking my progress in a meaningful way.

    Last year, inspired by my daughter, I planned my entire year—not month by month, but task by task. My list lived on my phone, where it was easy to access and check off items. I organized it into three categories: Personal (household chores, self-care, etc.), Financial (budgeting and organization), and Writing (how many novels I’d write, classes I’d take, and social media goals to connect with readers).

    Did I achieve everything? No, but I got about 75% of my tasks done, and I had a LOT on that list. My husband teases me for trying to fit five pounds into a two-pound bag, but I’ve learned that having a plan—even an ambitious one—gets me further than having no plan at all.

    After publishing my most recent book, Across Oceans Through Time: A Story of Enduring Love, I dedicated December to planning the year ahead. Using the same three categories, I rolled over unfinished tasks from the previous year and added new ones. Unfortunately, life threw a curveball: both my husband and I fell ill during our Christmas road trip to visit family. As a result, I’m still finalizing my plan, but I’ve embraced the mantra: better late than never.

    One of my goals this year is to return to writing short blog posts. I’ve missed blogging and realized how much I enjoy it. So here I am, sharing not just my planning journey but also some practical tips that has helped me tackle one of life’s dreaded chores: managing paper clutter.

    The key question: what do you keep, and what do you pitch? Here’s my system:

    One Month (For Paper Lovers)

    • Receipts for non-deductible items: I prefer electronic receipts but keep a plastic zip envelope for deductible ones.
    • Deposit slips and ATM slips: Rarely needed, but I save them briefly.
    • Reconciled bank statements: These are electronic, so I keep them indefinitely.

    One to Three Years

    • Checkbook ledgers, paycheck stubs, mortgage statements, and insurance records: All electronic now.
    • Charitable contributions and proof of deductible purchases: A mix of paper and electronic files.

    At Least Seven Years

    • Tax returns and supporting documents: These include W-2s, 1099s, medical bills, and mileage records. Most are digital.

    Forever (Stored in a Fireproof Safe)

    • Vital documents: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, auto titles, and investment statements.
    • Major receipts: For home improvements and significant purchases.
    • Estate planning documents: Wills, insurance policies, and retirement plans.

    Last year, I tackled the monumental task of sorting through my late mother’s estate documents and organizing decades of family records. Using expandable plastic folders, I created a system for each family member. It was a huge accomplishment—and one I’m incredibly proud of.

    For shredding, I keep a banker’s box in the garage. Each year, I take it to a community shredding event and start fresh.

    Everyone’s method will differ, but the key is finding a process you’ll stick with. What works for you? I’d love to hear your tips—maybe I’ll learn something new!

     

  • Prague – Part 1

    As you can imagine, it was quite eerie to travel to a country that was once behind the iron curtain. The fact that we drove from Germany to the Czech Republic seemed surreal. The trip was over 500 kilometers from our humble apartment in Plieningen, Germany.

    Since the Czech Republic did not use the Euro currency, we were forced to exchange Euros for Czech Crownes. The base did not do that exchange so we were forced, once again, to go to the airport to make the exchange.

    Although the trip was long covering lovely German countryside, I was struck with an even greater awareness of communism and the eeriness of traveling to a country that was once under communist control. Driving through the checkpoint without having to stop and show our passports was weird to me. But I wasn’t about to complain.

    Our hotel was in Old town. As you can imagine, parking is limited in old cities like Prague. The streets are narrow and can barely fit traffic let alone parked cars. Many of the streets are one way making it even more difficult to get to where we needed to go. Our GPS (affectionately known as “Julie”) finally took us to the parking location. Unfortunately, we didn’t know it was on the back side of the hotel, so we went wandering around with luggage in tow.

    By the time we found our hotel and checked in, it was 9 pm. Our room was on the fourth floor. We took the elevator up to the third floor and had to hoof it to the fourth floor because the elevator didn’t go that high.

    We decided to go to dinner and finally found an Argentinian restaurant and ate, then walked back to the hotel at midnight!  Yikes!

    The next morning, we had breakfast in the hotel which was like all the breakfasts we had in Germany and other European cities. But the kicker was that we did not realize that the elevator that we took the night before was not an elevator that you’d take in the U.S. hotels. No… this one was on the exterior of the building and perched on the side of the hotel with thin poles.

    When I saw how it was attached, my heart was in my mouth every time we got on it.

    Was this a hint of what was to come?  Hopefully the trip would get better. Stay tuned to part 2 of our Czech Republic adventure.

  • Independence Day…

    248 years later…

    Many men and women have died to preserve our nation’s freedom, but today the country is in shambles where lawlessness abounds.

    There is a concept of how a society or country will only last 250 years. We are fast approaching that pivotal year, so I thought I’d research and share the timeline.

    For the first fifty years (1776-1826), leaders focus on survival, establishing boundaries and putting infrastructure in place, then they move to expand their boundaries as the people move and settle, they diversify their economy through agriculture, mining and trade.

    For the second fifty years (1826-1876), the nation becomes more commercial with trade routes. More focus is on cultural things like the arts, literature and science. Formal institutions like universities, banks and courts are established. Populations increase and cities expand. (Although in the case of the U.S., the civil war occurred from 1861 to 1865, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in American history with approximately 750,000 deaths from both sides of the conflict.)

    For the third fifty years (1876-1926), there’s a peak of prosperity with emerging luxurious lifestyles. Scholars of philosophy, science, and arts reach new heights, but the government becomes overly ambitious in their military campaigns. When resources are stretched thin, dissent begins to appear. Corruption and bureaucracy creeps in. Moral decay and civil unrest are the order of the day and central authority becomes weak.

    For the fourth fifty years (1926-1976), there’s a complacency in the ruling class and social inequality grows. There’s corruption and nepotism in institutions and trust in them wanes. There’s a moral decay where social norms deteriorate, and materialism dominates. There is civil unrest, and the government struggles to maintain order and central authority weakens. (The great depression hit in the latter part of 1929 and lasted well into the 1930s. Civil unrest was quite evident in the civil rights movement from 1954 all the way to the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968. Many died as a result of the unrest, and I remember the curfews in my hometown.)

    For the fifth fifty years (1976-2026), there’s an economic decline where trade diminishes, and unemployment rises. Borders are breached and there’s a social breakdown where lawlessness spreads. Political instability is at the forefront and there are power struggles to destabilize the nation until finally the central government succumbs to a collapse where it may be invaded, breaks into smaller states or possibly falls under the control of another power.

    While there are parallels to what historical individuals tell us about what happens in a society, and some of it we have experienced and are experiencing today, it does not have to be that way. We are headed toward our 250th year and while there is fear and lawlessness everywhere we look, there is also hope.

    There’s a scripture verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” I often pray this scripture over the country I was born to and love.

    Just last night, our pastor encouraged us to pray for our nation (which my husband and I do regularly) and then he followed up with an email to us this morning. In it was the same encouragement, but there was something extra. I didn’t know there were four verses to our national anthem, Star Spangled Banner. Here is that fourth verse:

    O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand

    Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!

    Blessed with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land

    Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation

    Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just.

    And this be our motto “In God is our trust.”

    And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

    O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

    Many people often forget this great nation was built on Judeo-Christian principles. May God bless America, today and in the days to come. Pray for her… she needs it.

     

     

  • Year End Message

    The title of today’s message at our home church was Voyage 2024. It seems fitting that we’d end our year with a message that was so appropriate for the coming year with questions to reflect on about 2023 and what will be in 2024. (Questions for reflections indented.)

    The text for today’s message was John 6:15-21. The pastor referenced the synoptic gospels for this passage: Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52.

    Jesus went off to pray… alone.  He was focused on praying. (John 6:15, Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46)

    How was your prayer life in 2023? What will your prayer life be like in 2024?

    Did you make it a priority in 2023? Will you make it a priority in 2024?

    How can you shift to be more prayerful?

    Prayer is a ministry in and of itself!

    During the storm, while the Apostles strived and rowed against the raging seas, Jesus prayed. The word says that Jesus SAW them. During the storms of our lives, Jesus sees us striving and suffering through the storms.

    The reality is… when we obey the Lord, the storms WILL come. Some will be challenging and others not so challenging.

    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1: 2-3 

    The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want Psalm 23:1

    How did you handle storms in 2023?

    How will you handle storms in 2024?

    In Mark’s gospel, (Mark 6:47-49), The first thing was that the apostles were in submission. They obeyed Jesus and went into the boat and ended up in the storm.

    I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. Psalm 18:1-3

    SING in the midst of the storm! (Years ago… when I first became a Christian, Marinatha music was a staple. One of the songs – – almost all of them are based on scripture. One of them was based on Psalm 18.  Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q1Ui1eMfx8 )

    He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.  He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of calamity. But the Lord was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:16-19

    What do we do when the storms come?

    Do we “do” rather than pray? Are you too busy doing where you can’t allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment? Slow down!

    Let prayer be your default in 2024!  Trust in the Lord in 2024 for the ability to do what the Lord wants you to do. Trust in Him for the time to do what He has called you to do. Obey and walk to Him.

    Where will you look when the storm comes?

    Will you look for the answer on your smart phone?

    Will you look to Jesus and His word?

    The Apostles willingly received Jesus into the boat.

    Will you willingly receive Jesus’ presence in the midst of the storm in 2024?

    Who will you steer your vessel (being)? Your marriage? Your household?

    The peace He gives you even as you go through the storm for hours, days, weeks, months… He gives you the ability to get through it with a peacefulness that surpasses all understanding. Let His word anchor you in 2024.

    Our pastor ends every service with three weekly “charges”.

    Will you pray and commune with God more? Will you make it a priority to lead your family in prayer?

    How will you row in the midst of a storm? Will you go in faithful peace or in fearful panic? (I pray you will go in faithful peace.”

    Who or what will build your vessel (being) as a parent? As a sibling? As a spouse? As an Aunt or Uncle?

    Remember Jesus’ last words when He ascended into heaven.

    Lo, I am with you even unto the end of the age. Amen. Matthew 28:20b 

    Therefore take up the full armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Ephesians 6:12-13

    Let us examine our hearts before 2024 begins and let Jesus move us to where He wants us to be. Submit to Him and allow Him to make our lives what He wants them to be and we will have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

    Blessings for a safe, blessed, and prayerful New Year.

  • Year End Message

    The title of today’s message at our home church was Voyage 2024. It seems fitting that we’d end our year with a message that was so appropriate for the coming year with questions to reflect on about 2023 and what will be in 2024. (Questions for reflections indented.)

    The text for today’s message was John 6:15-21. The pastor referenced the synoptic gospels for this passage: Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52.

    Jesus went off to pray… alone.  He was focused on praying. (John 6:15, Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46)

    How was your prayer life in 2023? What will your prayer life be like in 2024?

    Did you make it a priority in 2023? Will you make it a priority in 2024?

    How can you shift to be more prayerful?

    Prayer is a ministry in and of itself!

    During the storm, while the Apostles strived and rowed against the raging seas, Jesus prayed. The word says that Jesus SAW them. During the storms of our lives, Jesus sees us striving and suffering through the storms.

    The reality is… when we obey the Lord, the storms WILL come. Some will be challenging and others not so challenging.

    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1: 2-3 

    The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want Psalm 23:1

    How did you handle storms in 2023?

    How will you handle storms in 2024?

    In Mark’s gospel, (Mark 6:47-49), The first thing was that the apostles were in submission. They obeyed Jesus and went into the boat and ended up in the storm.

    I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. Psalm 18:1-3

    SING in the midst of the storm! (Years ago… when I first became a Christian, Marinatha music was a staple. One of the songs – – almost all of them are based on scripture. One of them was based on Psalm 18.  Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q1Ui1eMfx8 )

    He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.  He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of calamity. But the Lord was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:16-19

    What do we do when the storms come?

    Do we “do” rather than pray? Are you too busy doing where you can’t allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment? Slow down!

    Let prayer be your default in 2024!  Trust in the Lord in 2024 for the ability to do what the Lord wants you to do. Trust in Him for the time to do what He has called you to do. Obey and walk to Him.

    Where will you look when the storm comes?

    Will you look for the answer on your smart phone?

    Will you look to Jesus and His word?

    The Apostles willingly received Jesus into the boat.

    Will you willingly receive Jesus’ presence in the midst of the storm in 2024?

    Who will you steer your vessel (being)? Your marriage? Your household?

    The peace He gives you even as you go through the storm for hours, days, weeks, months… He gives you the ability to get through it with a peacefulness that surpasses all understanding. Let His word anchor you in 2024.

    Our pastor ends every service with three weekly “charges”.

    Will you pray and commune with God more? Will you make it a priority to lead your family in prayer?

    How will you row in the midst of a storm? Will you go in faithful peace or in fearful panic? (I pray you will go in faithful peace.”

    Who or what will build your vessel (being) as a parent? As a sibling? As a spouse? As an Aunt or Uncle?

    Remember Jesus’ last words when He ascended into heaven.

    Lo, I am with you even unto the end of the age. Amen. Matthew 28:20b 

    Therefore take up the full armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Ephesians 6:12-13

    Let us examine our hearts before 2024 begins and let Jesus move us to where He wants us to be. Submit to Him and allow Him to make our lives what He wants them to be and we will have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

    Blessings for a safe, blessed, and prayerful New Year.