Psalm 23

For our family cruise in September 2007 Dad asked each of the men in the family to prepare a devotional so they could each take one night and lead devotions.

In going through some documents on the computer I found the devotional Mike prepared. I love finding things like this. It just makes my heart smile.

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Psalm 23 – God as our Protector and Provider in Life

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

• We are His sheep
• I know the Lord will care for me – we commit our needs to Him
• Jesus was speaking to the people of Bethany in Matthew 21:22 ~ And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

• God creates situations, eagerness and desires.
• The water refreshes us – experienced by David in Psalm 42:1 ~ As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

• The Lord leads us slowly, straight and with purpose
• Jesus addressing the crowds in Matthew 11:28 -- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest
• Slowly: The shepherd maintains a pace for us to walk with Him
• Straight: He will not lead us astray
• Purpose: He does not waste time or energy
• For His name’s sake: We can depend on God to do what He promised

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

• You’ve heard the phrase: “He or she is scared of their own shadow”
• We imagine the worst and not the best
• In John 8:12 -- Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
• Fear: We don’t know what will happen. We do know that He will provide our needs.
• Comfort: Our daily walk with Christ. The rod protects us and the staff directs us by tending to His flock.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

• Preparest: refers to a continuous action. The Lord prepares food daily because we get hungry daily.
• Enemies: To show God’s daily provision and care
• Oil: The valued guest received the best seat at the table – and honored with oil for healing
• Cup: Abundance in our salvation
• The psalmist writes in Psalm 116:13 – I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

• Goodness: He loves us – keeps us in His fold
• Paul in his letters to the Romans 2:4 - Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
• Mercy: He offers forgiveness and grace
• Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15-16 -- This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
• Dwell: Enjoying God’s presence and protection with peace and security

In conclusion: I personally want to ask for forgiveness of anything that I may have said or action performed. I love you all as my family.

Memorized

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ~ Acts 2:38

TSMSS ~ Open Our Eyes

Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.

God is so Good!

After posting about my chicken idea I received an email that Mike's coworkers were interested in doing something in honor of Mike. Everyone Mike worked with knew he had chickens because he kept an excel spreadsheet with his egg count. Yes, you read that right, Mike had a spreadsheet for the egg count... that is just the kind of guy he was...organized and detailed. Because he loved having chickens so much he enjoyed sharing the spreadsheet with his coworkers. So when they heard about my idea they loved it.

Over 20 chickens will be sent to Asia. Along with the chickens, the gospel will be shared. Praise the Lord! Thank you to all who gave!

For some other wonderful news but on a totally different topic - In 12 days I will be going to Hawaii! A friend is getting married there and Kathy and Paul already had their plans to go. Yesterday I spent the day with the bride to be running errands for the wedding and it really got me thinking. So I asked Kathy to look at prices for me. I thought for sure the prices would be outrages but instead she found an awesome deal for me and Mom to be able to fly out August 30th and stay until September 5th. I can't believe it. Honestly, I am still in shock!

God is sooooo good!

Memories

One Year Ago Today...

.... my life changed forever as God called Mike home to glory.

The journey into God's presence requires a departure, and that brings sorrow for those who remain. But what joy to think of his arrival into the very arms of a loving Heavenly Father.

I Corinthians 2:9 ~ But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I can't believe...

...that tomorrow will be one year since Mike went to be with the Lord. I wanted to share some scripture that has kept me going this past year. To God be the Glory!

Deuteronomy 33:27 ~ The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Psalm 48:14 ~ For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Psalm 49:15 ~ But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

Psalm 17:8 ~ Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings

Psalm 18:2 ~ The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 28:7 ~ The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 55:22 ~ Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 68:19 ~ Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Psalm 73:23-24 ~ Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:26 ~ My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalm 116:15 ~ Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Psalm 146:5-6 ~ Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever

Isaiah 41:10 ~ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 43:2 ~ When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 49:13 ~ Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

Isaiah 54:5 ~ For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

John 14:18 ~ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 14:27 ~ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 Corinthians 2:9 ~ But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1 Peter 5:7 ~ Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Chickens...Chickens...Chickens

I posted the other day about buying chickens from World Vision but since my post I was also given information about Gospel for Asia. They also have chickens you can buy for families to help them with income. One hundred percent of the money you give to Gospel for Asia is sent to the field, none is used for administration. That means a lot!

So along with fasting and praying on Wednesday, I will be giving my money to Gospel for Asia to buy chickens in memory of Mike.

To God be the glory!

TSMSS ~ Come, Let Us Worship & Bow Down

Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.

In Loving Memory

A week from today marks the one year anniversary of Mike's home going. I have been thinking alot about what I want to do in his memory.

First and foremost, Mike loved God. He desired to do God's will.

He also loved life, the outdoors, adventures, children, animals. Mike was a very structured, detailed man and I learned so much from him. I am so thankful for the 8 wonderful years of marriage that God allowed us to have.

The last years of our life together we had the opportunity to have chickens. We had such fun times just sitting and watching the chickens. I know I am not very good at writing and expressing myself with words but I have so many memories going through my head right now.

I came across the World Vision website and I realized this would be a wonderful tradition to start as a memory of Mike. I can donate chickens to provide nutrition and income to multiple families.

I have one more tradition I would like to start and that is a day of fasting and praying. Fasting from food, computer, television, facebook and cell phone. A day that I can focus 100% on God, worshiping Him, and praying for wisdom and guidance in my life.

I share these thoughts with you for two reasons. 1) I want you to hold me accountable. 2) I would love to know if any of you are interested in joining me.

To God be the Glory!

P365 ~ Week 31 & 32

Week 31 - Sunday - I was feeling sick so I took it easy the entire day.

Monday - Rachel and I put together this gas grill. I think we did a GREAT job. I impressed myself! Tuesday - Mom and Rachel flew home.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - I spent most of the day working on cards. I needed to make baby shower cards for two ladies in our church that are expecting. I am also working on stocking up on my card inventory. Saturday - Kathy and I went out to get us a little treat... can you guess where we went? Week 32 - Sunday - Our neighbors house went up for auction but right before they lost access to the house they went in and gutted the place. I couldn't believe it. This is what is left in the kitchen... basically, nothing! They even took the toilets. Now what in the world are they going to do with the toilets? Monday - this is the best looking bread I have made since moving out here. For some reason my loafs were not turning out but I finally had success and honestly I don't even know what I did differently. Tuesday - Got to spend a few hours with this precious little boy and his mama.

For dinner Lana, Paul, Kathy and I went to our favorite sushi restaurant 808 Sushi. After dinner we went into the AT&T store next door. While Paul and Kathy were taking care of official AT&T stuff, Lana and I played around with the phones. We were cracking up, having a good old time. The people must have thought we were crazy. Wednesday - I spent the day cleaning the house and I totally forgot to take any pictures.

Thursday - I spent the day with a friend from church. On my way to her house I saw this hot air balloon. It was low and I could see the people standing inside the basket. It was cool! Friday - We had dinner with a sweet family from church. They taught us a new game called Settlers of Cattan. Saturday - We went to Miss Shirley's 75th birthday party. It still amazes me that she is 75. She is full of life and doesn't allow her age to slow her down one bit. I am finally caught up on Project 365 so now it's time for me to check out Sara's blog to see what everyone else is up to these days.

TSMSS ~ The Power of Your Love

Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.