HOPE SHINES THROUGH THE DARKNESS

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O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
    Your glory is higher than the heavens.
Psalm 8:1
HEAVENS

Poem by Sherry Crowson Evans

When You made the stars did they shine like Your face?
They were a brilliant glimmer of Your glory in the dark.
Did the sparkling blue seas shine like the depths of Your eyes?
Do the mighty oak trees resemble Your awesome power and might?
Are the boulders on high an image of Your steadfast stance?
Is the purifying wind like the breath of Your love?
When You created man, an image of You, did You smile or did You pause…
knowing the future and what was to come?
What sadness You must bear to have the beauty You created fall into darkness.
Thankfully, Your patience stretches out like the universe.
What joy You must possess knowing all will be well in time.
Darkness may reign, yet the beauty isn’t overshadowed. The world speaks of Your glory.
The Redeemer has been sent…a spark of Hope for all to see.
One tiny baby…One boy…One man…One God…One King for all…Forevermore.
His light shines like a beacon, guiding us onward. It never extinguishes.
It always endures. He will unite the world one day
to live in everlasting harmony with our Maker.

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

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HEART CLOUDS
SONG CLIP FROM
YOU CAN MAKE IT

See how very much our Father loves us,
for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!
I John 3:1a NLT

It’s amazing how the way we are reared can affect the rest of our lives. I don’t mean this to sound egotistical, for I assure you it is not meant in that manner, but my mother taught us that if someone is not attractive physically, they are “less than.” I know that sounds horrible and I’m sure if you had called her on it, she would have denied it, because she didn’t really say it in words. But the idea was subtly implied in conversations and in criticisms and judgmental attitudes. “Did you see that dress she had on? She could have at least fixed her hair?” She did the same thing to TV personalities.

I think it all stemmed from low self-esteem. She was a wonderful, beautiful and kind woman, but she grew up in abject poverty and so did my dad. But after their marriage, through hard work and a great deal of determination, they managed to bring themselves and their children into a middle-class lifestyle. My father determined that his children would never do without like he did!

But this influence on my life brought me into bondage to extreme perfectionism. Of course, I didn’t really realize it…I just knew I was miserable and always very angry! When I say extreme…I mean extreme! I wouldn’t wear a gold ring with a silver hair clip. Yes, it was that bad! But really, I suffered from that same low self-esteem issue that my mother had. It had been passed down to me and my sister. It was not until I was in my fifties that the Lord helped me to realize what bondage I was in and how truly miserable I was. When I did, I decided to do something about it, for certainly no one else could or would. Now days, I still dress immaculately with everything perfectly coordinated, but it is no longer out of a need for perfectionism, it is simply habit from having done it for so many years. The folks in my office call me “Fancy Nancy”! : ) I told them, when you’ve been here as many years as I have, you have enough jewelry and accessories to compliment any outfit!

My point in sharing all of this with you is to let you know that until I discovered that My Heavenly Father loves me just the way I am, I didn’t have the power to break free from this bondage. Now, I still like to look good, don’t get me wrong, but it is not an obsession. If I have to go out without makeup or being dressed to the tee, I don’t feel “less than.” I just feel normal. What a freeing concept!

Also, as a woman growing up in the South, I was taught that you should do your best to please people and you must always defer to men. Those things are a dangerous combination and caused me many problems in my adult life. But in that also, I came to realize that My Father God loves me and He is the only one I have to please or defer to. And even in that, it is our choice. And you know what…even if I do something that doesn’t please Him, He loves me anyway! His love is not conditional like human love! “I am my Beloved’s and He is mine. His banner over me is Love.”

Don’t EVER let anyone make you feel that you are “less than” for ANY reason! “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” by the God of the Universe and He loves you! If you have any bondage from the past that tells you otherwise, break it and annul it now by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ! Walk in the victory He died to attain for you!!!

I just can’t help myself…as a musician, I have to leave you with a verse from a song by Billy Joel:

I said I love you and that’s forever,
And this I promise from the heart;
I could not love you any better,
I love you just the way you are!

DEVIL…MAKE MY DAY!

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CAT FIGHT
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil
walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith.
I Peter 5:8-9a

Here begins another exciting anecdote from the archives of Nancy’s everyday life! You obviously are familiar with my cat family by now…you know…the one that keeps growing as the word gets around that there’s this crazy lady that offers free food just for the taking. Anyway, I wrote not too long ago about the cat fight that ensued between two male cats vying for territorial rights at my place. They were rolling around the yard with fur flying in every direction while I stood on the porch yelling for them to stop! (You can just imagine how much that helped.)

So the other morning, I went out to feed the cats. There, on the steps of my back porch sat the skinny yellow cat who won the fight. He reminded me of a sentry standing watch…ears honed like glistening antennas; eyes peeled searching the horizon for any sign of intrusion by the enemy. He felt like he had won the territorial rights, now he had to diligently preserve them!

It immediately came to me that we, as Christians, should be as vigilant in our watch for the enemy of our souls. Indeed that is exactly what Peter is saying in this verse. Now if we are born again, we should not fear Satan, for the Lord says, “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” (Luke 10:19 AMP) But even though an opponent does not fear his enemy, he wants to be ready and prepared in case of an attack. How many of you know that Satan doesn’t announce himself at his arrival? Remember he disguised himself as a serpent when he came to Eve in the garden. And when he acted through Judas to betray Jesus, he even disguised himself as a friend and greeted Him with a kiss. My point is this…we have to be ever alert to the tactics that Satan uses to put stumbling blocks in our walk with God. It doesn’t always have to be big things. Someone can speak a discouraging word. Things just didn’t go right at the office. Someone talked you into doing something that didn’t turn out for your good. Maybe an old habit just keeps cropping up, trying to get you off course. “It’s the little foxes that spoil the vines.” Often Satan doesn’t come at us with big dilemmas, but with multiple little irritations or disappointments, one after the other. He is not overt, but very subtle.

Sometimes the thing that he tempts us with is not necessarily sinful, but is not what’s best for us. If he can get us to make choices that are not in God’s will for us, he can get us into discouragement and even depression.

Learn to recognize his attacks and resist them in the power of the Holy Spirit within you. Like that cat guarding his territory, we need to stand sentry over our souls! If there’s one thing Satan hates, it’s for us to recognize his strategies!

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 NKJ

STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH

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ARMOR OF GOD
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:13

Have you ever prayed this verse before? You probably have. I know I have.  It’s a part of what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” By the way it’s worded in the King James Version, it  sounds kind of like God would lead us into temptation. Not so! The Bible plainly tells us that God tempts no one…“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.” (James 1:13 NLT)

The verse from Matthew 6 in the New Living Translation reads this way, “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” And listen to the verse in The Message Bible…“Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.” I kind of like that. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed, “Father God, save me from myself!”

I know you’ve heard the old saying coined many years ago…“The devil made me do it!” Well, for one thing, it’s not very likely that the devil or anyone else could make you do something that you sincerely didn’t want to do. Now you may know that it’s not the best thing for you. You may WISH that you didn’t want to do it. You may even pray for the strength NOT to do it. But if you don’t exert some restraint on your part, it’s likely that you WILL do it. Even the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest men of all time, who wrote most of the New Testament said this...“I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:21-25a)

Don’t get me wrong, God will help you if you really rely on His strength and draw from the power of His Holy Spirit within you. Paul plainly says so. But the fight between good and evil is an age old battle that will not be abated until the end of time, when Satan’s ultimate defeat is enforced and he is banned from roaming the earth.

But Jesus didn’t leave us defenseless when He returned to heaven. He gave us weapons of warfare that we can use very effectively. “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT)

We definitely are in a consistent battle with a very persistent enemy every day of our Christian lives. Some days maybe more so than others. God’s Word tells us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8 NLT) Then He gives us the antidote in James 4:7, “So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 AMP) We resist him by putting on our armor and “having done all to stand, we stand firm!”

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHO YOU ARE?

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MIRROR IMAGENow we see things imperfectly,
like puzzling reflections in a mirror,
but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.
All that I know now is partial and incomplete,
but then I will know everything completely,
just as God now knows me completely.
 I Corinthians 13:12

This post by my daughter Sherry Crowson Evans

So…how are you feeling today? Feelings can be crazy. One day you are just fine, and the next moment you are swept off your feet again. Despair creeps in stealthily. Insecurities are amplified. Failure seems imminent.

Have you forgotten who you are? Your feelings have deceived you. The deceiver has deceived you. You are a messenger…a messenger to the world. You have a job to do. God has a plan and a purpose solely for YOU. God has chosen YOU to be HIS light.

When you fail don’t crucify yourself. You are too hard on yourself! Look to God for reassurance and continue working. When your plans fall apart, look to Him. He will guide you. When your mind is confused, look to Him for clarity. When you’re depressed find comfort in the One who designed You.
Remember… it’s His plan and His purpose…for YOU…TODAY!

I know it’s hard to believe, but It is the truth. Take a moment… stop everything…find a quiet place. Now, think of your children. Think of all the love, hope, and dreams that you have ever wished for them. God gave you those hopes and dreams. They are a small glimmer of His hopes and dreams for YOU. Think back to all the times your heart has bled for your children. When they are hurting you hurt. You comfort them. You sacrifice for them. They are your hope and your future. You would die for them. God took His only Son. He sacrificed Him for YOU. His heart bled for YOU. YOU are the hope of this dark world because God’ s light shines in YOU! God loves you MORE than you love your child.

Remember who you are today. Look in the mirror…really LOOK…take off the mask. Don’t look at yourself with disappointment, disgust, or shame. Soften your eyes and look at yourself for who you are. God made you in His image. God is proud of you. He doesn’t see your flaws. He doesn’t see anything wrong with you. He sees your kindness. He sees your goodness. He sees you trying so very hard every day. He knows it’s difficult. He knows your struggles. God sees you making progress and He is PROUD! Believe in yourself. You can do it! God is with you. God believes in you and He is cheering you on!

GOODBYE GRANNY

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The following is post is a story written by my daughter Sherry Evans.  She is writing about the death of MY Mother, HER Grandmother and THE GIRL’S Great-grandmother, whom we all called Granny. I thought it would be an encouragement to those who have lost loved ones.

HEAVENLY DANCE 2
GOODBYE GRANNY
by
Sherry Crowson Evans

The two little girls knew their granny would die someday. They just didn’t expect her to actually…die. Granny was very old and she was very tired…worn to a frazzle, she sometimes would say. The girls would laugh and smile even though they didn’t know what that meant. Granny had always been old and tired as far as the girls knew.

Today however, was different. Today, when the girls went to visit Granny she was in a hospital bed. She looked so worn out. Granny started singing the sweet old hymns her grandmother had sung to her. The girls sang too and granny clapped when they were done.

Just Before they left she whispered to the girls, “Jesus is coming to get me in a few days. Soon I’ll be dancing a jig in glory.” Then she reached out her hand to the girls and reminded them, “Girls remember, always trust in Jesus. That’s’ the only thing that matters.”

And for a moment Granny had a twinkle in her eye as she smiled and said goodbye. But the girls wore concern on their faces. Momma could tell the girls were upset at what Granny had told them. The girls hugged and kissed their Granny for, as it turned out, the last time. They could hardly wait to get out into the hallway to ask their questions.

“Momma, we can’t really see Jesus right now. How can He come and take Granny away?”

Momma explained that Granny’s body was tired. It would stop working one day and then she would go live somewhere else. The girls were happy now. “Oh, then we can still visit Granny!” Momma explained that it was too far to visit but if we trusted Jesus just like Granny said then we would all go live there one day.

The next day Granny went to sleep and didn’t wake up for a few days. Then she was gone… Granny drifted off to sleep still hearing the girls’ voices singing sweet hymns. She even dreamed she was still singing with them…“♫ when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be ♪… Her own voice sounded so pure, so beautiful, and so young? She could feel her lips moving as if the beautiful song was coming from her own mouth.

Slowly Granny opened her eyes and there she was lying on a bed of the softest silk she had ever felt. She sat up and looked around. This was the most lavish home she had ever seen!
But somehow she knew it was her home…her dream home that is. The bedroom was a beautiful shade of yellow, Granny’s favorite color. Everything was just as she had always imagined a perfect home to be.

She was so happy she wanted to dance but she knew her old legs wouldn’t hold her…and that is when she realized this must be a dream! There was no other explanation. In dreams you can do anything you want. So she might as well try. Granny started to dance…slowly at first, then faster. She danced and danced! She remembered dancing this way before, but that was many years ago. She lifted her hands in the air and twirled in a circle! From the corner of her eye she saw her own hand, spotless and creamy white.

“I used to have beautiful hands like this when I was young,” she thought. Just for fun she reached out and pinched herself. She didn’t feel a thing, but she didn’t wake up either. The pinch did not even leave a red mark. Granny wondered could this possibly be real? Can there really be something this wonderful? She had never felt this great…ever before. A ring at the doorbell stopped her mid-thought.

“Who in the world could that be?” she said aloud. Even as she said it her voice sounded strangely sweet and soft. She ran, actually ran, down the stairs. She opened the door and there stood the most handsome man she had ever seen! She gazed deeply into his blue eyes and recognized him.

“It’s time to go dear,” her beloved husband said.

Without thinking she followed him. Walking hand in hand they strolled down the street of gold. Friendly neighbors smiled and waved from their homes.

“Don’t you want to know where we are going?” Paw paw asked his beautiful bride.

Granny looked down and realized she was in a flowing gown of purest white. The bridal dress had diamonds that shimmered and sparkled in the light. They were heading toward a terrific warmth and brightness. Sounds of a party drifted along.

“Where are we going?” Granny confusedly asked.

“Why to your birthday party of course.” Granny was led to the head of the table.

“Happy birthday!” they all shouted.

The young man beside her hugged her and said, “Welcome home my Darling Daughter. I have missed you!”

She looked into his eyes…“Daddy!”

On her other side a beautiful girl who looked somewhat like herself had tears in her eyes…
“Mother!!!!!”

Many people she had known and loved stood clapping for granny. Suddenly, there was complete silence, then, “Ruth…..may I have this dance?”

Granny hadn’t been called Ruth in a long time. Ruth was her name before she was called Granny. She looked over to see who had spoken. A kindly man walked up, shining in the most beautiful light she had ever seen. A pure uncontrolled love shone from his eyes. Streams of light showered down upon Him from the throne on the hill.

As Granny looked up she saw God shining from His Own light. Raining down gleaming bursts of light and warmth, God in all His glory smiled and nodded His head at Granny. She immediately threw herself upon the ground and covered her head with her hands in shame.

Gently, Jesus uncovered her hands and lifted her up. He tilted her chin up and looked straight into her eyes. Grinning, Jesus asked, “Ruth may I have the first birthday dance?”

Before she had time to answer Jesus grabbed her and wrapped her in a big bear hug. Granny was so startled she began to giggle. She then heard Jesus laugh out loud in pure joy as he swung her around in wide circles.

Suddenly her Daddy had her in his arms swirling and twirling her around. Granny laughed and laughed. She was so happy! She thought she would cry for happiness but no tears came.

Back in her home after the party there was no need to rest. Granny thought about all the times she had said her old legs would give out. But now her legs were new and she would never say that again!

Granny thought about the little girls. She wished they could know how wonderful heaven really was! But no one could believe without coming. She knew the girls would be sad and miss her. And she would miss them too, but she wasn’t sad. Heaven was more than Granny had ever even imagined! She smiled as she thought about the little girls’ birthday party one day. When she saw them again she would stand and clap and dance and dance! Granny was thinking of all the fun she could have with the girls and never get tired.

Just then she heard a scratch at the door. It was a little dog the girls’ used to have. He was so excited to see granny that his little doggy tail shook his whole body. Granny took him up in her arms and surprisingly he didn’t stink. He then let out a small whimper.

“Yes, I miss them too”, she told the little dog as she scratched behind his ears. “You can live with me now and we’ll wait for the girls to come home to see us. I don’t mind waiting. It won’t be too long. You know what little doggy, if time flies when you’re havin’ fun, then time will soar here…I just know it!”

YOU ARE VALUABLE

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SPARROW LG
SONG: YOU CAN MAKE IT

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin?
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground
without your Heavenly Father knowing it.
And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God
than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

Do you feel valuable? If you’re like me, it probably depends on what day you’re asked. Some days I feel valuable and some days I feel somewhat worthless! But know this…You are ALWAYS valuable in the eyes of your Heavenly Father. Matthew gives us a vivid illustration of how much we mean to God.

I can’t imagine how many sparrows there are in this world. When I checked the dictionary, one classification alone had 140 species. And there are several different classifications all over the world. But Matthew tells us that our Heavenly Father knows when even one of them falls to the ground. He also tells us again in chapter six to “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” (Matthew 6:26) If the Lord feeds the little sparrows and keeps up with their coming and going, how much more will He take care of us, His children?

I don’t think anyone put it more succinctly than Peter. “Cast the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (I Peter 5:7-9 AMP) Read that verse again slowly, emphasizing the word “all”…and make it personal. Lord, I “Cast the whole of my care [ALL my anxieties, ALL my worries, ALL my concerns, once and for ALL] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully.”

You are valuable to your Father God! And if He is caring for you, why should you take the care also? Cast it on Him today!

DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE?

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ONE WAY
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:1,6

There are so many people today who say they believe in God. But many of them never mention Jesus. Or if they do believe that Jesus is the Son of God, they haven’t received Him as their Savior and Lord of their life. It makes me so sad, because there are so many good, honest, benevolent, loyal, salt-of-the-earth people out there who think that because they acknowledge God and Jesus in their head, they have a chance of going to heaven. I put it that way because when you ask them if they’re going to heaven, they will usually say, “I hope so.”

But we can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that we are going to heaven. “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

Now, does this mean that we can just say that we believe that Jesus is Lord and we are automatically saved? The Bible says “even the demons believe and tremble.” (James 2:19) They believe, but they definitely haven’t made Him their Lord. We have a perfect example of this in a marriage. One can say that they love someone and believe that they are the only one for them. But if they really love them, they will commit their life to the relationship. As a matter of fact, the body of believers is called the Bride of Christ.

I can tell you my own personal experience regarding this. When I was about ten years old, the pastor of the church that I attended came into our Sunday School room and said we needed to start thinking about joining the church. I and several others in the group soon went up front during the invitation hymn. We prayed the sinner’s prayer and by all appearances accepted Jesus as our Savior. I was sincere in what I did and I believed that Jesus died for my sins. But I did not make a total commitment from my heart to make Him Lord of my life. Later on when I got out into the world, I allowed other people and circumstances to influence me in an ungodly way. It was not until I was twenty-five years old that I truly accepted Jesus as Lord of my life and made a commitment to serve Him at all costs. Since that time I have never doubted the fact that when my life on this earth is over, I will go to heaven to be with Him. You can have that same assurance.

If you’re only hoping that you’ll make it to heaven, examine your own heart. Do you have a committed, personal relationship with Him? If you do, you’ll know…and if you don’t, ask Him to come into your heart and be the Lord of your life today. Heaven awaits! And…hey…spread the Good News!

Thank you, Father
That I have an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled
and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for me!
I Peter 1:4

I LOVE BURNED BISCUITS

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BURNED BISCUIT ON PLATE
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins.
I Peter 4:8

Someone recently sent me this story via e-mail. I don’t know who wrote it, but it brings across a powerful point. It is as follows…When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

 When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said: “Honey, I love burned biscuits.”

 Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, “Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides, a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

What an awesome picture of unconditional love! How many of us would have been thoroughly aggravated at such an action, even though it wasn’t deliberate. We often tend to make mountains out of the mistakes of others and minimize ours to the size of a mole hill. I have noticed that at times I get so angry with people for doing certain things and then the Lord reminds me that I do the same things and they don’t seem nearly so bad. Do you think maybe we have a double standard going here?

What about our actions in relationship to the Lord? How many times do we serve Him burned biscuits? We are so tired from work and extracurricular activities that we don’t give Him our best. But He just takes that biscuit, smears the oil of His Holy Spirit on it, adds the sweetness of His love and eats it anyway. His mercy covers our mistakes and failures and gives us an opportunity to make a new batch of biscuits every day. How awesome is that!

Father, forgive me for the times
I’ve served you burned biscuits,
And for the times I’ve been intolerant of others
who have done the same to me.
Help me to sweeten my life and the lives of others
by loving deeply and forgiving freely.

A JOURNEY OF HOPE, CHARITY, FAITH AND A LITTLE GRACE

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BABY - GIFT FROM GOD
The following is a true testimony from my daughter,
Sherry Evans:

“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in You.” Psalm 39:7

I was saved at a young age but drifted away from the Lord in my teen years. I became a teen mom. My first daughter, Hope, was born shortly after  I turned 16. I went through a period of depression as I was finding my way back to the Lord, but God is faithful and He brought me back to Himself with open arms.
“I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud And your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22

“Charity suffers long, and is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4a.

A couple of years later we were blessed with another daughter…Charity. Shortly after she was born, I was given a shot at the doctors office which caused me to be unable to stand. My vision became fuzzy, my thinking cloudy, and my speech slurred. My muscles tensed and would not relax.  No doctor could find the cause or offer any hope. However, I had Hope in the Lord.

Now He had provided me with Charity (love) when I had no control over my circumstances. Over the years my symptoms improved and today simple seizures remain.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped.” Psalm 28:7a

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1

Ten years later we became expectant again. However,  the baby was not thriving. We arrived at the hospital to undergo a DNC, after testing revealed no heartbeat and blood tests showed the pregnancy was not viable.

As soon as we arrived, the nurse, on the spur of the moment decided to run one more unscheduled test and found a heartbeat. Thus, we were given Faith, our third daughter, in our time of need.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Five years later, we were blessed with our fourth child. The baby was diagnosed in utero as having only one partially functioning kidney. The other kidney was an unformed mass of cysts and tissue. Surgery was imminent according to the doctor. The outcome looked bleak.

We prayed for her to have two kidneys at birth. We prayed that there would be no surgery. When Lilah Grace was born she did have two kidneys. However, the doctors said she would need one kidney removed and a portion of the other removed as well. She had cysts in her bladder which could block her kidneys and those must be removed too.  Because of our reluctance, the surgeon agreed to wait and watch the situation. She continued to improve dramatically, astounding the doctors. Today, Lilah Grace has two functioning kidneys. Both kidneys are normal size. As for the bladder cysts, one disappeared completely, and the other shrank to a minimal size. No surgery has been performed. She is on no medication. By God’s grace the doctors say she is very remarkable.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3-22-23

Throughout everything,  God has given us His Grace to hold on to Hope in order to trust Him in Faith, while He wrapped us in His love (Charity). How truly blessed we are!