An Autumn Chat about Prayer

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Several months ago, the Lord began to lay it on my heart to start sharing the thoughts He gives me in video form on our rarely used Homespun Ministries channel. Today, I uploaded a video that corresponds with this recent blog post on prayer, and I wanted to share it with anyone who may be interested in watching.

Please Pray for Dan & Marilyn Moseley

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As some of you may have already heard, my dear longtime friend, Marilyn Moseley's husband, Dan, recently suffered a massive heart attack. You can read the details on Marilyn's blog by clicking here.

How I'm Praying These Days

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Prayer has been such an integral, vital part of my life for so many years. Jesus saved my soul when I was 10 years old in a revival meeting in Enid, OK, that I was attending with Mom, Dad, my Papaw, and the woman Papaw married a few years after my Mimmie died. I will never forget that night, how convicted I felt, how drawn I was to that altar of prayer, and how earnestly I poured out my little heart. From that moment until this, I have prayed countless prayers.

New Book Announcement, A Book Sale, A Tribute, & The Signs of the Times

 

New Book Announcement

Shortly after I published the book "Biblical Minimalism," the Lord began to lay it on my heart to write a correlating Bible Study Accompaniment Guide - a workbook with pointed questions to encourage readers to personalize the Scriptural truths in the book in a practical way, search their hearts and lives, identify problem areas, and find solutions in Scripture to correct, minimize, and eliminate all that is hindering them from living a holy life. 

"Just Throw it All on Me"

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I may be simple-minded. Perhaps I am dense. But sometimes it takes me a long time to truly comprehend the most basic things God wants me to see and understand. Often, it seems to take a grand epiphany for Him to get a point across to me. Then, once I get it, it stays with me forever and becomes something that steadies me in my walk with Him from then on. 

Homespun Devotions: Volume Three is Now Published!

 "Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."
Psalm 150:1-6

This is the Psalm that resonates most with me tonight! A Psalm full of praises to our awesome God, in whom "we live, and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28

Homespun Devotions: Volume Three is now published,  and the Kindle version is available to purchase on Amazon! Lord willing, the paperback version will be available as soon as it has completed the review process—hopefully within the next day or so.

Order Here!

Remember when I asked you in this post to guess what was different about Volume Three, based on the book cover? Now that it is published, I can tell you the secret!

The Dangers of Dire Straits

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I was astonished to see how long this thought has been brewing in my mind and heart! I started a new blog post just now called "The Dangers of Dire Straits," and after I typed the words in the "title" line, it hit me, wait! Didn't I already start a blog post by this name? I started skimming down through my published and draft posts, and sure enough! There it was! A draft showing I worked on a devotional with this very title on 3/5/2024 at 11:56 PM! That is how long God has been dealing with me about this! 

"Letters from the Countryside" Giveaway Winner!

 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, 'Thy God reigneth!'"
Isaiah 52:7

Letters from the countryside!

Introducing—"Letters from the Countryside!"

 "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."
Proverbs 25:25

I long for the old days, don't you?

 As I observe the fast-paced rat race around me, my heart literally yearns for the days of Papaw, born in 1900, and Mimmie, born in 1905. Times were worlds apart simpler then. God and family were top priority. Meals cooked and placed on kitchen tables by the hands of loving mothers were the daily norm. Families gathered around those tables to pray, eat together, laugh, and share their hearts. It kept them close—to God and to each other. Home remedies were used for common ailments, in place of expensive trips to doctors' offices. Children were given daily chores and kept busy with wholesome ways to fill their days and spend their time. Neighbors helped one another, and no one felt alone or abandoned. Times were hard, but people were tough, and their faith in God enabled them to withstand trials and difficulties. Communities were strong because residents pulled together and weren't afraid of hard work.

If anyone else longs for those long-ago days and ways, you will certainly want to read on!

Giveaway Winners Part 2 & A Bonus Winner!

 "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."
Psalm 19:7-10

If you haven't read this post, this one may not make sense! So, you may want to go back and do that now before reading on.😃

My 2025 Word of the Year & A Giveaway!

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A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! I pray that your holidays were exceedingly blessed and that this greeting finds you in good health and much encouraged in your walk with Jesus! It is hard to imagine that we are now in 2025, and I don't recall living through a faster-moving year than 2024. It just felt like it flew by, and as hard as I tried to grasp onto the moments, they slipped through my hands like grains of sand. Time onward flows, and here we are, already 11 days into the new year, still pressing on, keeping the faith, and doing our utmost to follow Jesus as closely as we can. 

A Graduation, A Special Birthday, A Miracle, & Three Songs

                      

"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it."
Proverbs 10:22

So many blessings to thank God for today!

A Graduation

Just a few days ago, our dear boy, Zach, graduated with his two-year degree from Bible College! We are beyond proud of him and the way He loves Jesus and has a desire to spend his life serving Him. I don't mean to brag by what I am about to say, but I say it to bring glory to God—

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

 "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you."
James 4:8

Through the years, I have found so much encouragement in listening to the music of Keith and Kristyn Getty. One of my favorite songs they sing and Keith co-wrote is "Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer." I remember when the Lord brought it across my path several years ago and the measure of comfort the lyrics brought to me—then and each time I have heard it since. 

Seven Things To Think About in These Troubled Times

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It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out we are living in the most troubled times of our lives, but yet, God's Word instructs us to only think on the things that fall into the six categories listed in the above verse.  Today, I want to encourage you by sharing seven true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good report facts that we can all rely upon and draw our thoughts to no matter what is going on around us.  I am also including some songs that are bringing encouragement to my family and me.  I am amazed at the lyrics penned by these modern Contemporary Christian artists and the depth of meaning and faith that is woven throughout their words.  I hope they bless you, as well.  At the end of the post, I will announce the three winners of the giveaway!

#1.  Everything is going to be okay.

One of the things I most miss about my dear Dad is when he would tell me something I was troubled about was going to be okay.  Just hearing him say that brought a sense of peace and calmed my fears.  Though he is no longer here to speak those words of peace to me, my Heavenly Father sends the Comforter to let me know - everything is going to be okay.  Even now.  No matter what. 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."  

Psalm 46:1-3

It's Gonna Be Okay - Tasha Layton

#2.  When Jesus speaks "peace," everything changes.

The tumultuous storm that threatened the lives of His disciples had to back off and cease raging when the voice of the Eternal God in a body of flesh spoke!  Every attack of satan has to back off when He speaks peace to our situation, regardless.

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."  Isaiah 59:19

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."  Mark 4:39

Peace Be Still - Hope Darst

#3.  Jesus knows you.

He was there.

Ever since the moment of your conception.  Long before you breathed your first breath.  Every moment of your life.  Through your highest highs and lowest lows.  He was not only there, He pulled you through.  Just look back over the years.  Trace His hand.  The evidence is all over your life.  He knows every, single thing about you, including right now - in this season, in this moment of time.  He is there.  Seeing every tear, watching every event unfold, walking by your side, giving you strength, and supplying your needs.  

"O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether."

Psalm 139:1-4

"By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You."  Psalm 71:6

Evidence - Josh Baldwin

#4.  Jesus knows what you need.

Even before you come to Him.  Even before you say a word.  He is completely aware of everything weighing on your mind and heart.  He will work it all out.  He cares about everything you care about, and He is perfecting all that concerns you.

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever."  Psalm 138:8

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."  Isaiah 65:24

You Already Know - JJ Heller

#5.  God has always kept every promise He has ever made.

Why would He change now?  Why is this situation any different?  Sometimes, it takes time to see a promise fulfilled, but just because God delays in sending the fruition and manifestation of the promise does not mean He has failed to keep His Word.  He works on His own timetable, but He always, always does what He says He will do.  Abraham was 100 years old when God made good on a promise He gave to him when he was 75.  Yet, Abraham's faith stood firm, and he staggered not at the promise of God!  Even during those long years of waiting, he stood firm and was fully persuaded in the promise of the One Who had never failed him!

"Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be.  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform."   Romans 4:18-21

I have heard it said that a child of God can grasp a hold of one of the promises of God and safely swing out over the fires of hell with a full assurance and certainty that God's Word will not fail!  Let us continue to hold fast and firm to the truth of God's Word and look to Jesus no matter what is shaken around us.

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:2

Truth I'm Standing On - Leanna Crawford

#6.  Nothing is more powerful than the power of God that dwells in us!

Nothing in Heaven above or earth below or even the powers of hell is stronger or bigger or above the power of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  All things are under His feet, and no matter what satan throws at a child of God, it has NO power over HIS power that lives and works in us.  Praise God!!

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all."  Ephesians 1:18-23

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world."  I John 4:4

"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you."  Romans 8:11

Same Power - Jeremy Camp

#7.  Even in the worst of times, God remains the same.

My dear Mom always told me that there are three things God cannot do.  

He can't lie.

"God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?"  Numbers 23:19

He can't fail.
"Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant."  I Kings 8:56

He can't change.

"For I am the LORD, I change not."  Malachi 3:6

No matter what happens, God is good.

"For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."

Psalm 100:5

He is faithful.

"But the Lord is faithful, Who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil."

2 Thessalonians 3:3

He is kind.

"How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings."  Psalm 36:7

I Know - Big Daddy Weave

Speaking of Big Daddy Weave, it is now one week after the announcement of our giveaway of THREE of their CDs!  Today, Zach entered the commenters' numbers into wheel decide, and #4 was chosen, then #3, and then #9.  So, the winners are:

Kitty, Barb D., and Deborah!!!

All three winners will receive their own copy of Big Daddy Weave's CD "When the Light Comes," along with a copy of our new book, "Biblical Minimalism:  Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life."

I have been able to contact Kitty and Deborah, but I have no contact information for Barb D.  Barb D., could you please kindly email us at homespundevotions@gmail.com and provide your mailing information, so we can get your package in the mail to you?  We hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks to everyone who commented and entered the giveaway!  If you didn't win and would like our book or the Big Daddy Weave CD, you may order them at the links above.

Keep encouraged, dear friends, and keep pressing on for Jesus.  Heaven will surely be worth it all.  

In closing, Kelly made it through another operation and according to the last report I received, she continues to improve.  The recovery road ahead of her is long and overwhelming, so please do keep her in your prayers.  (If you would like to read the original prayer request for Kelly, click HERE.)

Are You at Your Wits' End?

"These see the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep.  For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.  They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.  Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses."

Psalm 107:24-27

(KJV)

Does the above passage of Scripture resonate with you today?  Like waves of the sea, do you mount up to the heaven one day, only to find yourself falling back down into the depths of despair the next?  Is your soul melted because of the trouble that surrounds you?  Do you reel to and fro and stagger like a drunk man?  Are you at your wits' end?

When I was growing up, Mom, Dad, and I heard a song called "Wits' End Corner," and it came to my mind today.  I was SO wishing to hear it and searched for it on youtube, and praise the dear Lord, I found it!  I hope you can take the time to listen to this dear, old song sung so beautifully and harmoniously.

The Wits' End Corner ~ Gospel Harmonizers

If you find yourself at your wits' end today, I want to encourage you that you are in good company.  

The prophet, Jeremiah said, "Cursed be the day wherein I was born.  Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?"  Jeremiah 20:14,18

The prophet, Elijah "went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, 'It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.'"  I Kings 19:4

King David said, "I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.  My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me."  Psalm 38:6,10

Job said, "Why died I not from the womb? Why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?  My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul."  Job 3:11, Job 10:1

Jonah said, "Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.  I do well to be angry, even unto death."  Jonah 4:3,9

The Apostle Paul said, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;  by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."  2 Corinthians 6:4-5,8-10

"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

2 Corinthians 1:8

Most importantly,

our dear Lord, Jesus was "despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not."  Isaiah 53:3

He said, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death." And He said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt.'"  Mark 14:34,36

"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' that is to say, 'My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?'"  Matthew 27:46

We could go on and on and tell of not only Biblical people, but God's people throughout history who have reached the point of being at their "wits' end."

Are you there today?

If you are, may I encourage you?

Jeremiah, Elijah, King David, Job, Jonah, and Paul persevered, and they overcame!
They are now a part of that "great cloud of witnesses" who proved it can be done!

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."  Hebrews 12:1

Our dear Lord, Jesus overcame!
He rose above all, including death, hell, and the grave, and He is now seated in glory!

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2

You can overcome, too, my friend.
I don't know the individual circumstances of life that may have driven you to "Wits' End Corner," but I can tell you this.  "Wits' End Corner" is where God hangs out - just like the song says.  He is there.  Right in the midst of your current situation, and He has everything you need to enable you to keep pressing on.  To walk forward, even though you don't know where you will find the strength to take the next step.  He will empower you to keep fighting the good fight so that one day, you will join the ranks of those who have already laid hold on eternal life.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."  I Timothy 6:12

As I stood next to the bed of my dear, dying mother, she looked up into my eyes, struggling to talk to me.  I gently pulled back the BiPap that was pressed so tightly to her face and bent low to listen with all my might to what she was trying to tell me.  I knew it would be of eternal significance, and oh, I SO did not want to miss it!  I SO wanted to understand.  She was trying so hard, and finally Kevin helped me decipher the three beyond-precious words she was trying so hard to convey—words that often return to my mind and sustain me.

"Keep.  Pressing.  On."

These are the words I pass on to you today, weary heart.  I know the battle has been long.  I know the struggle is real.  Keep.  Pressing.  On.  Don't give up.  God is there with you - hanging out beside you on "Wits' End Corner."  This time of severe trial and testing will produce precious fruits of righteousness, and you will one day look back on today and better understand the process.

I think you may enjoy our new book and might possibly find encouragement in reading about the many lessons God has taught my family and me over the past few years.

Order HERE
Here is a trailer I put together until Zach is able to find time to make a better, more professional one for us.

Biblical Minimalism Book Trailer

You can order our book HERE!  If you are unable to afford to buy our book and would like to have your own copy, please email us, and we will mail you a copy free of charge.  Our main goal is to glorify JESUS and be a blessing and encouragement through the telling of our story.

In closing, PLEASE pray for our dear friend and fellow blogger, Betsy, who lost her brother to Covid-19.  Our hearts go out to her and to all who have lost loved ones during this sad, difficult time.  May God have mercy and heal every hurting heart.

Thank You! ~ Guest Post by Martha Orlando

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"These are the times that try men’s souls." 

Thomas Paine

How are you faring in these unprecedented times?  How are you feeling?  What are you thinking?  How are you coping?

My husband, Danny, and I, because of his preexisting heart troubles, and because of our age, decide it’s best for us to shelter in place until the all clear is given.  In our state of Georgia, that will be in mid-June.  Oh, how far away that seems!!!

Being an introvert and an optimist, I have weathered this confinement fairly well.  I pray for those who are ill and those on the front lines keeping us safe, as well as our leaders, those in essential jobs, and those who have, tragically, lost their jobs due to this pandemic.  I also follow the news as best I can; I want to keep up-to-date with all the developments both in our nation and around the world.

Yes, in spite of all the trials and uncertainties swirling around us, the Lord has seen fit to keep my hopes and my spirits high.

Until the other day . . .

It starts with an unwelcomed feeling of restlessness.  I am distracted, finding it difficult to focus on the tasks at hand.  And as the day drags on, a dark and ominous cloud of sadness descends upon me.  I am being swept into a vortex of self-pity, wishing things were different, missing my daughter and her family with a vengeance, resentful that we cannot go see them, sorrowful that I can’t even pay my elderly mother a visit, lest I were to put her in danger.  My very soul is being tried!

Desperate for relief, I retreat to our deck, my place to go when my heart and mind are troubled.  

“Oh, Lord!  Forgive me for this pity party I’m hosting,” I pray through my tears. 

“I’m miserable, Father.  Please, please release me from it.  Show me what to do!”

And in the immediate silence that follows, I hear these words:  

"Be grateful!"

Like that unexpected moment when a ray of sunshine peeks through a break in the gloomy clouds, offering hope, I literally feel the weight of the burden I am bearing, float up and away from me.  In its place, a quiet joy.  A peace that passes all understanding.

“Thank you,” I whisper to the One who sees and knows, who cares and heals, who loves beyond measure.

  “Thank you.”

Since that miraculous touch of God on my spirit, I have promised Him that I would go back to a practice I followed for many years, and don’t really know why I quit.  It’s keeping a daily gratitude journal.  Have you ever done this?  There are no blessings too small to appreciate and recount in writing them down.  And once you begin, it becomes impossible NOT to see God’s gracious hand at work in your life.

So however blue, or frustrated, or out-of-patience you may be feeling at this moment in time, look around you.  Find something in your life right now for which you can be grateful.

And be sure to tell the Father, “Thank you!”

Amen!

Bio:  Martha Jane Orlando is a retired teacher, who resides in Kennesaw, Georgia, with her husband, Danny.  They love that their home is nestled in a forest; difficult to find in urban communities, so it is appreciated as a special blessing.  Martha is a published author, and invites you to plunge into the life-changing adventures of ten-year-old Davy in The Glade Series and Adventures in The Glade.  Please check out her novels at her author’s website, and consider ordering them for you or a loved one.  We have to keep inspired and filled with hope, don’t we?  And these reads are sure to do just that.  Martha Jane hopes that you will also consider following her bi-weekly blog, Meditations of My Heart, where she meets the miraculous in the mundane, and hopes you will, too!

What a wonderful, encouraging reminder to keep grateful, even in the midst of these trying times!

I am ever so thankful for each one of these posts of encouragement during the coronavirus, and I hope they have been as big a blessing to you as they have been to me.

Keep the faith, dear friends, and stay healthy and safe!
And, don't forget to enter our Pressley Girls' CD GIVEAWAY!!

Living in His Word and Engaging in His Gifts ~ Guest Post by Jemma OIson

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

NOTE:  ALL of the lovely Scripture art in this post was created by Jemma!

Such a wonderful blessing and compliment to her beautiful writing!

Thank you, Cheryl, for this opportunity to share a part of my heart on "Living in His Word."

Cheryl and I are longtime blogging friends. Cheryl’s steadfast testimony and love of the Lord enriches the lives of so many of us. So, when Cheryl invited me to share my personal story on how I am coping with the season of the 2020 pandemic and what it is that is keeping me encouraged, I felt a calling to share my faith with you.

I have good news to share with each one of you today. If you are reading this then we are already brothers and sisters in Christ! So, hello and thank you for taking a moment to read how I fill up my cup through faith.

You see, I have what I call a "tool belt" of faith. It is loaded down with tools of inspiration and tried and true coping skills that I use daily. Today, I am going to share three of my tools with you and how it all began.

It was along the banks of the rushing Snake River where my Mother and Father began their farming journey. Mother and Father were hard working farmers in rural Idaho with tool belts of their own, both figuratively and literally. These two precious souls have always been the early foundation of my faith. They led their lives by example and hard work under the blue skies of the West. Mama and Dad instilled in me that God is present in every plant that grows and every pink sunrise and that the bounty of the harvest was because of Him.  It was this firm foundation, combined with Church service, Sunday School, Youth Group, and Mama’s general daily dose of living in the Word that has lived in my heart for 63 years. My heart overflows with love and gratitude for these two.

We all know that life is never easy, but God is always present. 

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

I have survived cancer, sent my Sister, Dad, and Mom to heaven and navigated through verbal and emotional abuse that ended in divorce.

Through all of these heartbreaks and life lessons, I have never ever gone through life alone. I may have felt lonely, but I was never abandoned. I receive great comfort in knowing that I have my Heavenly Father to walk with.

So as God walks right beside me and teaches me (and I am not an easy gal to teach…I am stubborn!)  I am sharing with you three handy dandy life skills that I tuck in what I call my "tool belt" for life.

1. Living in His Word daily and staying out of the world.

I am going to share one of my Mama’s favorite scriptures today.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

This is the first tool in my Christian tool belt; stay in the Word daily and out of the world. I was too gullible in my early years and I pretty much believed what everyone told me, I just couldn’t fathom why folks would have an agenda that wasn’t for the betterment of mankind. In our tiny farming family, it was all for one and one for all. We were a small but collective group of farmers who loved Jesus and tended to business. I have since learned that not everyone we meet, not everything we read, not everything we see is for our good. We have one true playbook for life and that is the Bible. By staying in the Word and out of the world, I guard my heart and mind from the evil that lurks around us.

I believe the Bible is as relevant today as at any time throughout history. I believe it was written by divine inspiration and that Jesus is the Messiah. 

When I focus on what I know to be true, humanity cannot permeate the love of Jesus and His perfect plan for each one of us. He really does have us covered!

2. Remain Steadfast in Daily Routines and Prayer

    

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life." Psalm 143:8  

Daily routines and spending time with the Lord are essential for me. My mind remains clear and my heart remains open to receive goodness and the truth. Of course, it can vary some each day, depending upon family needs. The good news is that God knows my heart and intentions; He will cut me some slack and values quality over quantity!

So, when the pandemic first began to get really noticed, two of my children and their families and myself had just met for a family ski trip in Vail, Colorado. Needless to say, all routines had gone out the door and my quiet reflective devotionals had, too. We were scrambling to gather everyone up, checking into the resort… then as fast as we arrived, the trip was cut short because the ski resort shut down due to the pandemic scare.  We hurriedly put one family on a plane, loaded up SUV’s, and sent another family back to Texas. I headed back down from the mountains to Colorado Springs.

 Once I arrived home, my husband helped to unload the SUV, and I headed straight for the grocery store…that had been wiped out of nearly everything. I felt I was spinning out of control, and I felt sick at heart.  I reined myself in, purchased what I could, went home, prayed, and began resuming my daily routines. God was waiting for me with His unfailing love!

3. Engaging in His Gifts.

"I Come to The Garden Alone," my favorite hymn and my sweet Mama’s, too.

“I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses, 

And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.

 And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; 

And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” 

C. Austin Miles 

It is no accident that I not only love to garden, but I also enjoy spending time in the garden. This is one of the gifts that the Lord has placed on my heart and in my soul.

As a nature lover and avid gardener, I see the beauty, power, strength, and love of the Lord in everything He created. 

I see His perfect plan in the mountains, pines, flowers, and birds, and I know in my heart that He truly has the whole world in His hands. This is the gift that our sweet Lord gave to my parents as they worked their wheat fields of gold. Figuratively speaking, this was their garden, and now I have mine. 

There in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus sought much-need comfort and solace with His Father in a time of pain and sadness. Today our world hurts, our fellow citizens are afraid—some lonely, some sick. My prayer today is for full healing for our world and for all of Christ’s people.

Bio:  I'm Jemma, a homemaker and a long time home-style crafter, gardener, cook, wife and Mom.

I blog at At Home with Jemma where you will find a collection of crafts, decorating ideas, recipes, gardening tips, and articles on living with Faith, mindfulness and creativity. 

I share valuable methods for creating the home that you will love. My focus is on incorporating a positive mindset into daily living, combined with a dash of organization and a pinch of humor and of course crafty goodness!

Such beautiful, sweet encouragement for our souls from dear Jemma!  Please visit her beautiful blog and subscribe!  You can also connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  I was so blessed and encouraged today and by all of the other wonderful posts of encouragment that have been shared.  I want to say another public thank you to ALL of the faithful ones who have encouraged us during this trying time.  God has surely used each and every post to minister healing and solace to our hearts.

How are YOU coping with the pandemic, dear reader?  How is your faith in God sustaining you through it all?  Will you prayerfully consider writing an article of encouragement to share?  We are continuing to open up our platform here to spread more good news and messages of hope and peace!  Please let us hear from you!  Just send your article to homespundevotions@gmail.com.  We hope to hear from you soon!

And, now for Jemma's and her Mama's favorite hymn.


In the Garden ~ Alan Jackson

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Bringing Back Family Time ~ Guest Post by Ang Specht

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Micah 6:8

When the country shut down over this virus, I can't say that I was surprised. I've spent my whole life preparing for a moment like this. I won't go into the why's, because that's a whole other issue, but I am grateful that we were able to be prepared.

I live on a dirt road, out in the middle of nowhere. My town is so small that there isn't even a traffic light. From what I'm reading on the internet, we weren't affected like most other places. I've heard stories from friends where they ran out of food in the stores, had to wait in long lines just to get IN to a store, and basically had their whole lives shut down. We are a self-employed, homeschooling family in a very remote area, so honestly, life has gone on as usual. The only change we have seen is that we had a couple appointments rescheduled. We are still schooling, still working from home, and never really went anywhere, anyways. However, it IS a serious matter, to see the rest of the country shut down, because that does affect us, eventually.

To get us through the negative times, we have been praying Psalms during our devotion times, as a protection over our home. We have told the children to pray for our country, and used this as a time to teach them how to be prepared for such an occasion; and how to handle it. Being homeschooled, they have learned all the history about previous times like this, so it wasn't a complete shock to them that it could happen. We show them it's how you handle it that matters. First, begin with prayer. Then, reach out to others to see who needs what. Those are the two best things we can do, in my opinion. You don't have to look very far to see that there are people who are suffering because they can't buy diapers or groceries. This is such a perfect time to give what you can. Rather than feeding into the political spatting going on, we look for people we can help, regardless of their political beliefs. This teaches the kids that there are no restrictions when loving your neighbor. You help where you can. You show them the love of Jesus through that help.

As I stated, we never really go anywhere, but my husband and I would go on "dates" to the store for whatever we needed. Of course we still have to go to the store, but our dates, for now, have morphed into a cup of coffee and an audio book. Or a game of Scrabble. Or a walk. We have always been a tight-knit family, doing things together, so this isn't a new idea for us, but I have tried to pass that idea on to others, to spend this time at home doing things as a family. Just last night we had 2 banjos, 2 guitars, and a harmonica going in our living room. :) Most families don't have that extra time for things like that, so now is the perfect time to enjoy an activity like that. Board games, reading out loud, sharing stories, gardening, going for walks... the Lord is very pleased when we spend our "leisure" time doing wholesome things like this, and what better time to do it than when you're locked down at home? These moments at home should be looked at as gifts from God that you may not have otherwise had. Spend them doing something meaningful with your family! :)

One thing we like to do is watch all the different birds that flock to our home. If we see a new one, we get out our bird book and try to identify it. We always have a new project going on--building a new chicken coop, starting plants indoors to later transfer to the garden, learning a new song on an instrument, I have one son building a forge and another who just made maple syrup all on his own. They all go for bike rides or play in the creek. It's a great time to try a new recipe as a family or learn a new craft.

I think that's what I am trying to spread to others is the idea of family. You can prepare for times like these as a family by raising your own food and canning it, or maybe clipping coupons and teaching them how to budget and store up a small supply of necessities. And then when that moment hits and your world is changed; first pray; then act as a family. Don't panic. Just trust God and teach your children the proper things to do. Remain a steadfast family together. The family structure in America is quickly disappearing; but when your world crashes down, the one thing you should have is family. If you haven't been blessed to be raised up in a godly family structure, then be the beginning of it and start NOW. There's nothing that God won't use for His good, and I'd say Americans coming together as a family unit again is a HUGE blessing. Imagine the changes for the good if that continued. He knows what He's doing. Embrace your family in this time that the Lord has entrusted you with. :)

God's sign of hope in a grocery store window near Ang's home.

Bio:  Ang is a stay-at-home-mom who homeschools three boys and one little girl. She has her CDL, but currently stays home and make things like soap, lip balm, etc. and keeps pretty low-key. She loves summer, sitting on her front porch, laughing, happiness, etc. She is a Christian and truly enjoys the very little things in life.  She blogs at Just A Country Girl.  You can also find her at her Etsy Shop, where you will find her handmade, rustic, shabby, holistic, natural items for sale.

Please stop by and subscribe to Ang's Blog and check out her handmade treasures in her Etsy Shop!  She is a sweet personal friend of mine ~ we met through blogging several years ago, and she is a real blessing in my life.  I love Ang's strong sense of motherhood and family and so enjoy reading her blog and hearing all about her homesteading and family times.  I am so grateful for Ang and all of the other guests and friends who have shared such precious encouragement here during this crazy time in our world.  

Speaking of family and dirt roads, here are a couple of my favorite songs about home.

Almost Home ~ Craig Morgan


Home ~ Joe Diffie

(I can't believe Joe Diffie is gone.  
He died way too soon from the dreadful Covid- 19 on March 29th.  
May he rest in peace.)

One of the blessings mixed in with all the current pain is that everyone has been staying home more.  I pray our appreciation of our families and our homes will grow ever more dear to us in these troubled times.

God is with us still.

Finding Peace in the Middle of the Coronavirus Storm ~ Guest Post by Ana Maria Blevins

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1

Photo by Martha Dominguez de Gouveia

We ended up in the ICU with one of our children during the Coronavirus lock down. The week before, I had been having rapid heartbeat and chest pain as the spread of corona virus disease and failing economies were becoming a daily reality.  

I knew God was in control and hard times would come, and that even at the end of the world, Jesus Christ said there would be calamities. But facing a worldwide pandemic and the response that has isolated everyone in their home and brought nations’ economies down to their knees was overwhelming and felt kind of like a sucker punch. If I, a believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Bible, and the God who has all power and authority have been shaken, I can only imagine how those who have no connection to eternity are feeling.

In the midst of this wave of ominous fear and uncertainty, we went into the epicenter—the center of healing—the hospital. We were assumed positive of the Covid-19 virus until negative test results could be obtained, and we were quarantined in an ICU unit that had negative pressure. The air we used was removed from the building as if we had something very dangerous and very contagious. 

Our guide on this journey into the epicenter was a most considerate, diplomatic, and professional nurse, named Phillip. He guided us into using the very stringent protocols, understanding our roles in health safety and recognizing our rights, as well. He was seasoned and extremely knowledgeable, and yet, very gentle. So, did God put an angel named Philip there for our child and for me? Surely He did! 

We could not leave the room, except once to get my medicine from my car in the parking garage. We had to observe the strictest measures. I had to stay donned, with the gown, mask, and eventually a face shield and gloves. If I pulled a curtain around my child and I was outside of the curtain, then I could take off my personal protective equipment, (PPE). 

We tried to visualize that my child was disseminating viruses, or more helpfully, “glitter.” The glitter was all over her, and we had to not allow the glitter to get on me or the staff. I could only take off my mask to eat and drink. If I wanted to talk to the staff, I would signal to them through the glass wall, and they would slide the door open. I had to stand on a certain square to assure that I was six feet away from the opening. Someone had to observe me when I left the room as I followed explicit guidelines on doffing or removing my PPE. The bathroom held the room’s cleaning supplies, which weren’t allowed to leave that ICU room. The last day we were there the guidelines had become even stricter, and we tried to keep up with the changes.

So, Phillip guided us as we experienced what it was like to be considered dangerously contagious. We got to see firsthand how somebody feels who has a microbe that can imperil the people around them. We also got to see how well-staffed the hospital personnel were, how caring, and how responsive. We were thrilled to learn that our hospital had developed its own Covid-19 test, and our child was a grateful recipient. 

Many hospitals are developing their own tests, so our Arts and Technology nonprofit rejoices in this initiative and success! Our test results came back negative right before surgery, so we were allowed to step down from the world of high alert pandemic protocols to the everyday protocols with our garden-variety microbes. What a relief. Our doctors and nurses were amazingly reassuring and comforting. God took us into the center of the storm, and we were so blessed to feel His presence and to see Him moving through other caring and dedicated professionals who have studied and trained to care for people. 

Coming home after the hospitalization of our child, I no longer had chest pain nor a rapid heartbeat. I can empathize with so many people who have been completely rattled and are having to face our mortality, from which our modern world has been removed in many ways. In spite of the invisible ban or spirit of the age that has directed people not to take faith seriously and not to consider eternity, the spiritual climate has really changed. 

Uncertainty rules, and this storm is revealing how strong of a foundation our individual houses, our lives, are built on. Praying that we will build our house on the rock, the rock of Christ and faith in God, the God of the Bible. And if we have built our house on a shifting foundation, that we will get up and move and relocate very quickly and build a new house on the solid rock, Jesus Christ! He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is Love, and He never changes. 

Ask Him to come live in your heart today!

Bio:  Ana Maria Salinas Blevins is the wife and teammate of Lyle Blevins. They have six other teammates whom they birthed and who make up their FamDream Team.
Lyle and Ana Maria enjoy faith, the Arts and Technology, and love to see hearts touched and transformed by God’s love. They have home-educated for 30 years, teaching Spanish, Robotics, and Music. They like to encourage parents who are in the middle of the journey with the vision of "Empowering tomorrow's professionals in a faith-based arts and technology community."  Families can do amazing things!

I am so thankful my dear, sweet friend, Ana Maria, shared her heart with us here.  She and I have been friends for years and served together as prayer action leaders for Concerned Women for America.  Her heart for God is precious, and she will forever be dear to my heart.

Holding Nothing Back ~ Ryan Stevenson

Ana Maria's testimony gave us a glimpse into what it is like for those who are hospitalized during this fearful time.  Let's keep praying for all who are being affected by the pandemic.  I must say, I am not so sure it is a good idea to open things up quite yet, but who am I to say?  GOD is ultimately in control of all of our lives, and the best thing we can do is put our lives totally in His hands and trust Him with all our hearts.  Keep looking up!