Summer is great, I love it. It was once my absolute favorite season, but now I’ve moved more towards loving Fall, mostly because I’m not as tolerant of the heat as I use to be. But, still, summer is oh so nice.

My daughter finished up her sophomore year. My son got a new job. We moved closer to our adult children. We all survived Covid. I moved to a new office. Our puppy is almost 10 months old but looks five years old. (he’s super big)
We’ve pulled out our bikes and been riding almost every evening down by the lake. My husband has decided to eat healthier and has a salad almost every day. (Miracles do happen!) My books are selling. I was blessed to do a workshop in TX. Life is good!

Do you ever feel like you're behind or out of sync with the Lord?  Like maybe you've missed something?  It can feel anxious, frustrating.  Or you keep having a concern that you're not doing something to bring you closer to Jesus?

I know I have.  In fact, I will say that record has played off and on for many years.  And there are times that I start to believe it, especially when I am tired, working hard, distracted, and especially that one - distracted

Is there something God has promised you, but you have not yet seen it come to fruition? Have you felt close to giving up on his promise? Or doubt what you heard?
The timing of God is such a mystery to me. I’ve seen him work in the lives of others and in myself over and over again, but usually his timing of that work is very different than what I imagined.

We are so blessed, each one of us.  We woke up this morning, we took breath in our lungs and we said, "Thank you God, that you have given me this day."  What a faithful God we serve, that HE is always good.
He keeps everyone of his words, and He cannot lie.  Not only does He care about you, He cares about your children, and your children's children and their children and so on.

How have you experienced His faithfulness?  I'll share just one of mine.
Many years ago, I was experiencing one of those times (and I've had more than you know) where there was as they say, "More month than there was dollars."  But I knew that the Lord was going to take care of me.  He has always, and has never stopped.  When I was at church, I asked someone to pray with me over my finances, asking the Lord to meet those needs.  And then I let it go, but just kept waiting.  My rent was due, and I was exactly $37 short. 
The day I had to pay rent, I headed to the mailbox and kept thanking the Lord for what I needed.  Do you know what I found?  There was a money order that was addressed to me, no return address and no way for me to know who it was from, but it was for exactly $37.00.  This is a true story.  I was absolutely dumbfounded.  I was able to pay all my rent that day, and God has never ever failed to meet my needs.
Does that mean I don't need to ask Him?  No, I do ask but I thank Him because I already know He knows my every need before I can ask.

I'd like to challenge you to take the time today to remember and even write down and journal how the Lord has blessed you.  Bless Him, Praise Him.

This is such an important verse.  All God's promises - He keeps them.  HE is trustworthy, and never fails us. 

What a powerful reminder though - that God is our refuge, and how we prepare before the storms of life.  In that storm, we praise Him.  What a massively amazing God we have.  The devil is a father of lies, and he will try to overwhelm you. 
It's no secret what our world is going through right now.  Every country around the world is standing for freedoms, like never before.  But you know what isn't so popular on all the news stations - revival.

On more than one occasion I have posed the question to God: “What is happening in our country right now?” I heard a pastor from California talking yesterday about the value of our beliefs, the extreme importance of supporting our country, the great need for calm throughout our land. I agree.

I remember as a child and even as an adult standing with my hand over my heart and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.”

​I love the image of Jesus in the heavenly courts when the enemy of my soul brings a case before him. The enemy is passionately accusing me of my many faults, he drags the case on as if he must say at least one more thing to fully convince the Holy One. Then, Jesus grabs his gavel and loudly hits the desk in front of him, his voice rings throughout the court as he pronounces: “Case closed!” The enemy shirks away defeated before there was even a chance to protest.

When the voice of condemnation races through your mind; it is a sure thing that the enemy is saying way too much. Remind yourself that your case is closed; it is GONE because of the blood of Jesus. Nothing could be more definite!
The law of the Spirit of life has liberated us from sin and death. Jesus was the sin offering so that sin could once and for all be conquered. Yes!

Let your faith grow that you’ll be able to overcome any mountain you’re facing right now. Difficulties and failures can easily lead us into hopelessness. However, faith is the key to turn things around. Here’s how to grow your faith and change the course of your life for the better.
 
It’s easy to lose hope when we’re faced with overwhelming trials. This is where the faith becomes very important. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here and there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
 
Are you facing a difficult situation right? Does it feel insurmountable for your own capacity? This is where your faith in God will be put to the test. Unfortunately, most people fail to see the bigger picture. That’s because when we’re faced with difficulties, we try to solve everything on our own.

This is called “PRIDE.” Often, when our strength and resources are drained, that’s when we kneel down and call out to God. And this is the right thing to do. There are times when we need to take a step back and let God enter into our situation to change it. 

​The Book of Romans has me completely enthralled—again! Each time I read this book, I am left in awe and amazement. And, each time I learn something new and exciting. Do you know of any other book such as this?
In chapter five, Paul really wants us to understand that the magnitude of the gift far outweighs the crime!  How many times have you been caught up in guilt, shame, condemnation, hopelessness, depression, etc all because you did something you shouldn’t have done? Let me be the first to raise my hand!

I’m a sucker for a fresh start in life and anything related to it or that makes me think of it.  Reminders of new beginnings and fresh starts - opportunities for do-overs. 
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