July 17

I have been neglectful of my daily devotions. I have had some busy days this week and haven't had much time to slow down. I apologize.

Today I went to a retirement ceremony for Chief Mike Mills (retired). It was a beautiful ceremony of honor and commitment that one man has shown for his family, country, and God. Today was full of joy and laughter, along with tears. The thing I took from today is that there will be times in our lives that are hard. Times when we have to be away from our loved ones. During these times there is one person who will never leave us nor forsake us and that is our Lord and Savior. Today I hope we all take the time to recognize him and his love for us. Without him we are not able to do anything.

Today I pray a prayer of thanks for the family and friends I have been blessed with. I also pray that we are able to take the time to seek his face and know we are never alone and that we are loved.

Congratulations to Mike Mills and his family. We are all very thankful for your dedication to God and Country.

July 13

Nothing ... in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39

Accept God's love for you and make that love the basis for your love for others. You cannot trust unless you believe you are loved. To grow in God and be changed you must trust him. Often he will lead you where you do not understand. When you are struggling you must grip onto his love for you.

July 12

Took a few days off to spend with the family. Been busy. I even played hookie from church today which is something I try to not do. I did however get into his word. God wants us to remain in his word. The bible is our guide. Today's devotion is about practicing the presence of God.

And the Lord said, My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14

This is so true. The Lord will take care of us, provide for us, and give us rest as long as we remain in his presence. So when you are worried about how things in your life seem to not be working out like you wish, remember that God's presence is with you and you can rest in his promises. Life always works out according to his plan. We just have to trust in him.... he never fails.

July 8

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Everyday in our lives is a new day. Sometimes there are struggles and sometimes there is laughter. "The only thing that remains the same is everything changes" Today you may be struggling with decisions that are life changing. Be careful to not get too attached to people, places, things... but always be free to move with the spirit. When your life seems to be flipped upside down and you feel the changes happening around you are too much to handle, look toward Jesus. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is always there for you in the good times and the bad. Follow his will and do not dwell on the past, but press on toward what lies ahead.

Sometimes it is difficult when we are in the middle of "drama" to see God's will. We want the pain to stop and we want things to go back to how they were. The problem with this is that it is never in our time, it is always in God's time. Our hurts and trials are meant to lead us closer to him. Rely in him and you will find peace. I have had many struggles over the last year and I have fought it every step og the way. Today I am finding peace. Just in the last couple weeks I have begun to put more faith in him to guide me. I guess that is how this blog began. Getting into God's word and letting him guide me. Focusing on what his plan is for me. Being thankful for all he has given me.

Today I pray if you are fighting the Lord's will for your life that you will let go. Let God lead you. Say "Ok, God. You have a plan here. I'm done hurting. I'm done trying to fix what is not meant to be fixed. I'm tired of worrying about tomorrow. I give it all to you. I will follow you. Lead the way. I know there is probably more hurt. I know there may be more changes, but i am yours."

July 7

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Just like a garden needs to have the weeds cleared out, sometimes our life needs to be rid of weeds. God does this through sometimes long, intense and difficult trials. None of us want to endure the pain of a trial but they are considered a test of our faith to help us grow and mature. Getting the weeds out of our life wil help us to see more clearly and help us perform better as a mother, a wife, a friend, ect... Look at your life today ..... Are their weeds in your garden. Clear them so the Lord may grow in your life.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me to clear the weeds of my life so that you may grow in me.

July 6

"and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel." 1Kings 2:3-5

Every path we take in life, someone else will be following. Could be little foot steps of our children or any person we may have touched. A path is laid by our actions, in the way we talk, all the things we say and do. Today make a commitment to make a path worth following. Walk by faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ and he will guide your path lighting the way.

July 5

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Mathew 6:19-21

Material objects of this world are just that, material. Many of us seek that new car, new house, .... Some of us can afford these items, yet are afraid to buy them. We stockpile our money in banks and in investment ventures to ensure our security. I am guilty of the wanting, the longing for more. Today I pray we seek God to fill that longing. We need to fill our internal warehouse with him instead of the "materialism" of this world. We need to invest in our eternal spiritual warehouse. Psalms 127 Says that; "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labors in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain."

Today is a new day. Let God build your house. Let him provide for you. Cast your concerns upon him and he will reward you. Do not concern yourself with the "wants" of this world. We are the Lord's treasures, his children. Treasure him, treasure today, and you will find peace.

God Bless

July 4

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.

Proverbs 12:25

Many of us struggle with anxiety. There are a number of stressers in our lives that may trigger us to be quick to anger. I am guilty of this and find I waste many hours in a day worrying over matters that upset me instead of letting go. Today my plan is to try to relax and take life as it comes. Remember, the lord never gives us anymore than we can handle. So, today when you feel yourself becoming upset over lifes stressers take a minute to thank God. Thank God for:

• the house you have to clean because it means you have a home
• the laundry you have to get washed because this means you have clothes to wear
• the trip to the grocery store because it means you will be able to eat
• Work because it means you have a job
• Your Screaming children because you have been blessed with a gift of another life
• ??????????? (Fill in the blank, What is your stresser. Thank God)

Today I pray for all of you. I pray you find peace. I pray you are able to relax and breath. Have a Happy 4th. God Bless