Can You Sleep Through the Storms?

Jesus and His disciples were at sea,
a storm arose with crashing waves.
The disciples woke Jesus with a plea,
that He their lives might save.

When the storms of life appear,
and we know they will.
Do we fret and wrestle with fear
or before our Father kneel?

Where do we go when we are afraid?
Can we sleep through the night?
We should turn to the one who paid
for our sins and for us will fight.

He will help overcome Satan's attacks.
God takes care of each of His sheep.
Pray and you will receive strength you lack,
then through the storms of life you will sleep.

Matthew 8:23-27 This scripture made me think
of the times when we have storms in our lives. They
come. Some just stay longer and are much stronger.
Who do we run to?

Focusing on God's Word Today

What is your heart's deepest need for today?
Scripture can help you through the day. It can
help you with changes you need to make.

Are you struggling with your health or getting
through a difficult time? Remember Ps 18:1-2
I love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD
is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my
shield and the horn of my salvation, my
stronghold.

Are you struggling with forgiving someone?
Remember that because of Christ you are
forgiven. Eph 4:32 And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as
God in Christ has forgiven you.

Are you feeling burdened down by struggles
in this life, physical, spiritual or financial?
Mt 11:28-30 Come to me all you who are
weary and heaven burdened, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will
find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and
my burden is light.

Do you feel that God is far way, that He's not
listening to you? Heb 13:5-6 Keep you lives free
from the love of money and be content with what
you have, because God has said, "Never will I
leave you, Never will I forsake you." So we say with
confidence, "The LORD is my helper; I will not
be afraid, what can man do to me?"

Make some note cards with different scriptures and
keep those where you can look at them and focus
on what you need for each day. His Word will sustain
you.

I Can Do All Things Through Christ(Phil 4:13)

I love that verse. It gives me hope. It also seems to be
one of the favorites of our ladies in prison.

What does this verse mean to you? Maybe you can get
through the fears of an illness, yours or a loved ones.
Maybe you can get through tough financial times or
the unfaithfulness of a mate.

We all have different situations that come to mind
when we think of this verse.

For our ladies in prison, it might be feeling like they
have no support. Maybe their families gave up on
them and they haven't heard from them in several
years or maybe they don't think they will ever get
their children back. They want out of prison now,
but they have to wait. Waiting is always hard, but
we're told to wait on the LORD.

I'm waiting to hear about my 2 1/2 month old
Grandson's sleep study. He's had a rough start in
life, but God's with him.

Finances are tighter, but then again they are for a
lot of families and I haven't missed any meals. I'm
sure it wouldn't hurt me if I did. God has blessed
us this past year abundantly. He's shown us He'll
get us through. He will provide "what we need".

With Christ's help I can get through discouragements
in this life. I can overcome fears.

What is your "all things" include today? You can get
through it with Christ. He will provide the strength
you need.

I'd appreciate hearing what this verse means to you.

What are your Blessings Today?

A thin layer of ice that caused some problems for
drivers yesterday morning disappeared by afternoon
giving us the opportunity to go to the prison. A
wonderful answer to prayer. Also, God kept us safe
as a deer ran in front of us.

It was the one night of the year that we get to take
goodies into the prison for these women. We took
chips, cookies, and candy. The ladies were sooooo
appreciative. Little goodies that we take for granted.

We got lots of hugs and thank you's. One woman said,
"Do you know how long it's been since I've had
fritoes?" Others enjoyed the cookies piled high with
frosting or the bag of candy they received.

These women in prison are constantly teaching me
lessons. I need to be reminded to thank God for all
the blessings He's given me. I don't want to take any
of His blessings for granted.

This is a difficult time of year for these women. They
are not able to be with their families. So I thank God
that He's allowed us to be their family .

What if you were in prison and couldn't be with
your family? What if you had to dress in gray every
day? What if you weren't able to get the foods you
enjoy as a treat?

As you go about your day today, think about all the
little things of this day. The special blessings He's
given you today!

Mt 6:25-34, James 1:17, Ps 84:11

Forgiveness, How Sweet!

Forgiveness:

a gift we're given because of Jesus death
brings healing to our hearts and souls
something we can give to others
something we crave from others also.

Forgiveness:
where would I be without it?

One of our regular ladies in our Bible class at prison,
cries every time we sing Amazing Grace. I think
these women truly are thankful for forgiveness.
They have felt the need for it so deeply.

I need to remember I'm a sinner in need of God's
forgiveness and His grace every day. Judy Wood
is a sinner, but thanks be to God for His amazing
love and gift, the death of His Only Son.

This Day is a Gift From God

What will I do with this day?
This day is God's gift to me.
Will I complain it's too windy, too cool,
I don't have enough time.

Will I waste this precious day,
forgetting that it's a gift.

How will I use it?
Will I thank Him for every hour,
every blessing of this day?

I know He'll never leave me
and He always provides just what I need.
Even through difficult circumstances.

So today I will spend time talking with Him,
thanking Him for this precious gift.

I'll spend some time reading His words
of love to me and hide them in my heart.

I will walk through this day with a heart
full of praise for God, My Father.

I'll savor every minute, every hour
of this day,
as I remember with gratitude
this day is God's gift to me.

Words I Speak

When I open my mouth and speak,
can others tell it's you that I seek?
God, can they see you're number one
in my life and I believe in Jesus, your Son.

Do I hinder other people's walk
by thoughtless words as I talk?
Do I mutter about you and complain
or show I believe you can sustain?

Father, what do grumbling words convey,
but a lack of trust in your provision today?
Do I live my life trusting your power
to get me through each and every hour?

Let me never forget the amazing cost
of salvation or cause someone to be lost.
I want to live and point others to you,

give them hope and a heavenly view.

Phil 4:14-16a
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.

Lessons from Little Children

Children can teach us a lot if we just stop and listen
to them. Listen to the prayers of children. They are
thankful and notice even the small gifts God blesses
them with: blades of grass, smell of flowers, shapes of
clouds in the sky, and moments with Dad and Mom.

Children can also teach us to notice the small things
people do and tell them. Our grandson, Fischer,
was a good example of this during our time with him
the week of Thanksgiving.

Fischer needed some help from Grandpa and then
told his Grandpa, "you're so strong, Grandpa. You're
so strong."

Then Fischer spilled some of his cereal on the table
and I wiped it up. He said, "Grandma, you're a good
cleaner." What a smart little guy!

A couple of things to think about today. Remember
to tell your Father in Heaven thank you for all the
gifts He's given you. If you're like me, you have a
lot that He's blessed you with so be prepared to
spend some time with Him.

Also, notice the small things people do. The way
they bless you by noticing the things you do.
Wouldn't it be great as families if we noticed
the smiles, the food mothers cook, daddies working
hard for families, friends calling us just when we
need it. Little notes of kindness sent.

Too many times we focus on what somebody does
wrong; the times they don't do things like we
would like for them to.

Phil 4:8-9 would be a great text for us to look at.
Think about whatever is lovely, pure, admirable,
noble, true, praiseworthy.

Small children also forgive easily. They don't seem
to hold grudges. Their smiles and hugs are precious.
They love us so sweetly.

Remember lessons from little children. Be thankful
and tell God what you're thankful for. Tell others
the good things you see about them.

Yet I Will Rejoice in the LORD

Habakkuk 3: 17-19

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights.

I can't help but be awed by this verse.
Fill in your own blanks. Though the
_____________ does not __________
and the _____________ doesn't _________,
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD. What difficulty
will come into your life today? Can you say
like Habukkuk did "I will rejoice in the LORD".
It doesn't make any difference about my
circumstances, I'm going to rejoice because
God is my strength.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18. Be joyful always,
pray continually; give thanks in (all)
circumstances, for this is God's will for you
in Christ Jesus.

Today, I want my focus to be on God, not my
own strength. God is going to help me through
any trial in my life. He will see me through it.

If you have any trials in your own life, look
to God's strength. The creator of the Universe
is powerful enough to help you with your
problems.

Pray, give thanks, and look to God who loves
you. He's thinking about you today, are you
thinking about Him? Talk to Him!

My Daily Bread

Thy Word is my daily bread
Strengthening me as I'm fed.
Treasuring it in my heart,
Let me never from it depart.

I need direction each day
to keep me on the narrow way.
The Bible is the only guide.
Its truth cannot be denied.

Thy Word brings me life,
helping me overcome strife.
Precious Word of God abide
with me as comfort you provide.

My

All Good Gifts

Father, all good gifts come from thee,
Creator of all that is beautiful to see.
Lover of my soul, the one I adore
The true God all earth will bow before.

I am a sinner unworthy to see your face.
I thank you for your mercy, grace
and willingness to send your Son to earth
So I could die to sin and have a second birth.

Because of you I have been made new.
I can count on your Word that is true.
What a blessing to commune in prayer,
All my joys and sorrows with you I share.

You Are

A Songbird that brings sweet
Melody into my wistful heart
The savory spice which adds
Zest to my lonely days

The exquisite flowers on a hillside
That bring beauty and delight
Living and cooling water
A tonic to revive and refresh

The master teacher of knowledge
And I, the adoring student at your feet
Light that illuminates my night
Guiding me through raging storms.

A king adorned in purple robe
And I'm your beloved servant
The strong citadel that protects
Me from all dark and evil forces

My loving Savior, your scarlet blood
Flowing from your brow and side
Sweet nectar of forgiveness that
Brings abundant joy to my soul.

Victorious Hope

Everyone has a need for hope,
a way to cope,
overcome strife
within their life.

Hope shines like a candle at night,
sharing its light,
shedding despair,
showing God's care.

Jesus brought us hope through God's plan,
redeeming man,
freeing from sin,
vict'ry to win.

Saving You, Saving Me

Precious LORD, amazing grace you send,
as my soul you defend.
Wondrous love that doesn't end.
Oh my Savior and my friend!

Loving Saviour who died for me,
paid my debt on Calvary,
cleansed my soul and set me free.
Now I come on bended knee.

God, your only Son you gave
wanting us, from sin to save.
Raising Him from the grave.
Daily now, your Word I crave!

Chorus:

Loving you, Loving me
He died for us on Calvary.
Saving you, Saving me
By His blood we are set free.

Superman Rescues the Baby Pumpkin

Nebraska's weather was beautiful on Halloween day,
cool and crisp, but pleasant. All the children dreamed about
the large amount of delicious candy they would receive.

Adults bought lots of candy and decorated so neighborhood
children would have fun. The adults didn't mind having a
little candy leftover to munch on.

Superman was excited about Halloween. He enjoyed flying
around and seeing all the children walking around from door
to door getting treats. He also wanted to make sure all the
children were safe.

What a huge responsibility! He was watching one baby
pumpkin very carefully. This baby had a difficult time when
he was born.

Baby Garrison was dressed as a pumpkin. He was sleeping
soundly in his stroller. Someone had pushed him around and
left him close to a hill. All of a sudden his stroller was bumped
into by one of the children trick or treating. It started rolling
down a hill. Garrison's Mom started screaming. She and his
Daddy started running down the hill trying to stop the runaway
stroller. Other friends started helping in the chase to save
baby Garrison.

It was a long hill and the stroller picked up speed. It was then
that Superman or Supperman, as he was sometimes called, saw
the danger.

Immediately he turned and flew in the direction of the runaway
stroller. With the speed of light he was there to stop the
stroller. He picked up Baby Garrison, who was actually laughing
and enjoying his ride down the hill. He was too little to know the
danger he was in.

Garrison's grateful parents thanked and thanked Superman for
saving Garrison, the baby pumpkin.

Superman didn't want a fuss made about it. He was just glad to
help. Seeing Garrison safe was all the reward he needed.

He flew off so he could continue his mission to watch over the
children so they would all have a Happy Halloween.

Amazing, Simply Amazing

Fall colors bold and bright
Beauty of a starry, starry night
A formation of geese in flight
Gazing from a mountain's height.
Oh, what an amazing sight!
Warmth from the sun's light.
All remind me of His power and might.
God, “You are my soul's delight!”

The Child in Me

I felt like a child at play,

running to the mailbox today.

Leaves danced merrily down the street

some swirling around my feet.
The wind teased as it blew my hair.
What joy to be without a care!
My friends and I laughed with glee
the leaves, the wind and me.

Compromise - Good or Bad

Compromise. It can be good. We all need to remember that someone
else needs their turn sometimes. Fred's wonderful at saying: "Where
do you want to go eat or what movie do you want to rent?" I need to
remember to be thoughtful and take turns doing what he likes.

But what about compromising your beliefs. I see too much of that.
We say "everybody's doing such and such now". Nothing's wrong with
it. Did God's standards for us change or are we trying to change it to
fit our own wants? We certainly don't want to stand out from the crowd,
do we?

Sorry if I seem to be preaching. I'm actually reminding myself that I
need to be holier, hold myself to a higher standard. I'm thankful for
Christian friends who live a great example and encourage me to live for
Christ. We go together to the prison on Tuesday nights and share our
lives. None of us are perfect, but we try to encourage one another to live
above the world's standards.

If you're living a Christian life, can anyone see a difference? Would they know
you're a Christian by how you talk, the movies you see, the places you go?

There's always someone watching us. Teachers have lots of children who
watch them daily. They have a big responsibility to model the right way to
act to those students. What about you? Who's watching you?

I've got three beautiful grandchildren. Children need lots of encouragement
nowadays to know how to not get caught up in worldly activities. How to
live in the world, without looking like the world.

Wow. I've got lots to do, lots of praying, lots of reading God's Word. I've got
to be a godly wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Too many souls look at
me. What kind of example am I? What kind of example are you? Think
about it.

Blessings I Delight In

I love my grandchildren. It's wonderful to be loved by children.
It touched my heart when Esther reached her hands out to me and
when Fischer said, "I've been missing you". Baby Garrison is so sweet
and precious.

I enjoy seeing their first smiles and how they are growing and
learning how to do new things.

What a joy to hold them and rock them. I think it's a reminder
of when my own babies were small and I could hold them.

I hope my own children know how much I still delight in watching
their progress in life. I share their joy in their graduations, weddings,
moving into their own homes, and having their own children.

It thrills me to see my sons with their own children and to see how
much they love them and want to be good daddies.

I'm glad that Libby shares about her joys of wanting to be a teacher.
She's grown so confident in her ability to speak. She's had lots of
accomplishments, attended conferences and presented papers.

What a blessing to be told that Franklin is doing a great job as a
youth minister. I'm proud of John and his accomplishments at his
job and his promotion that he received a while back.

It's a great joy to see Franklin's talents to write, John's talent of
playing the guitar, and Libby's talent of speaking and teaching.

I also take great delight in my daughters-in-love: Tracy and
Emily. I prayed for many years for christian wives for my sons
and God answered my prayers. It is a joy to see them taking care
of my sons and their children. I love seeing how they decorate
their homes.

I have many blessings. I just want to make sure my children
know how special they are. Love ya, Mom

Am I Following You?

God, am I following you

or doing what I want to do?

Do I pray to do your will each day

or am I living life my own way?

God, am I following you

and to your word being true?

Am I letting you change my heart

so from you I'll never depart?

Following you is what I want to do.

My life is changing. I'm brand new.

I can't be part of the crowd anymore,

Above the world I must soar.

Following you may involve a cost,

but I know my soul won't be lost.

Friends may forsake me and flee,

but you'll always be with me.

You gave me the gift of your only Son

so the victory over sin has been won.

With your help I'll conquer the unknown

and lay my life before your holy throne.