Believe Share Empower

I have been participating in the 30 days of gratitude challenge. Today’s theme is Spiritual Gifts. This is an area I am passionate about. In fact, it was the theme of a Christian Women’s Retreat that I hosted several years ago.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 addresses our various gifts God did not give us the same gifts. We are special and unique. Many can sing, play an instrument, paint, draw. These are not gifts I have. But I can speak in public, lead others, teach, share.

God did give us the gifts of faith, hope, love, charity, compassion. These are the greatest gifts of all. Our belief in God is what empowers us to be better people and who we are intended to be. We are empowered in his name and word. Now, more than ever, we need to believe, share and empower one another.

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Our world is in complete shambles. The Corona virus is still active. It seems to be ramping up for another round. It is now the norm to wear a face mask and social distance when we leave our homes. Sports are not the same, since a small number of spectators, if any, are allowed in the stands. Many schools are still closed and our children must learn online.

Today is November 3, 2020. It’s election day in the USA. Joe Biden vs Donald Trump. Two totally different people.

I am missing being with friends and family. I miss the hugs and laughter. I miss being with people.

This time has brought out the evil in people. Many store owners have boarded up their businesses in the event of rioting and looting. The Library Memorial, dedicated to World War 1 has been desecrated. For what reason? Many statues throughout the country have been toppled and destroyed. These are our history. It cannot be changed. I know our ancestors and forefathers are rolling over in their graves. They worked hard and even gave their lives to ensure our freedoms and rights.

There is only one in charge, God. We need to believe in him. We need to empower ourselves for the good of the world. We need to share the love of Christ to all. Pray for election. Pray for the people. Pray for the word of God. God bless us and the USA.

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My husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in May.  We have only had one vacation during this time and he decided to surprise me with a road trip.  He knew that I had several places to visit on my bucket list and was set to check them off.

We went through Arkansas and on to Memphis. We are both Elvis fans, so Graceland topped the list.  It was amazing to see where he worked and lived. The memorabilia brought back many memories of this great musician who left us much too soon.

Of course, the next stop was Tupelo, Ms, the birthplace of Elvis.  To see that he came from humble beginnings, but given such a gift of song from the Lord.  His faith and love of gospel music was the start and a big part of his career. But gone too soon from this earth, but never our hearts.

I had never placed my feet in the ocean.  We went to the gulf and I was able to do so.  The beauty of the water, the sun shining overhead.  The feel of the white sand on my feet, and finding seashells that had washed up.  Knowing that this was all created by God filled my heart.

We drove through New Orleans, but didn’t stop.  We observed the people, heard the musicians performing on the street, and seeing the beautiful works of art adorning the streets. Again, the talents of these people that was given to them by God was inspiring.

Montgomery, Alabama was our next stop. I have always been a fan of Hank Williams, Sr. He died the same day that I was born, January 1, 1953. He came from a dirt poor family. Suffered from medical conditions, as well as addictions. He was a Christian, and many of his songs gospel. Blessed with the gifts of writing music and singing, sharing his God given gifts. He, too, was taken much too soon,

Nashville was our next destination. The home of country music. Standing on the same ground where many of the great artists have stood was eye opening.

On the way home we drove through Paducah, Kentucky. We saw the Ohio river flowing past us. We went to the National Quilt Museum and took pictures outside.

We saw the beautiful hills, trees and waterways created by God. We met gracious, friendly people along the way. Of course, we ate lots of great food. I know that these people shared the gifts with us, no matter what it was. I saw God in nature and the faces of those lovely people.

Now, the corona virus is still raging. Hurricanes and tornadoes ravaging the areas that we visited. They are no longer the way we saw them. I believe God had the plan for us to go on vacation when we did. He wanted us to see the goodness and beauty of these people. We crossed paths and shared stories. I’m helpless and thankful for these people. I pray that they will unite and become empowered to rise again. Thank you God for your perfect timing to enable me to cross off special people and places from my bucket list. Please bless them and watch over them. And I thank God, for my husband who made a point to see these beautiful people and places.

The last 5 to 6 months have been the craziest in my lifetime. We have been affected by this terrible corona virus. It is not just individually, locally, nationally, but worldwide. We have been brought to our knees. A world of self quarantine, extreme hand washing, facial mask. Closure of schools, churches, businesses, restaurants. Shortages of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and disinfectants. People unable to work or work from home. Essential workers that have to work. Families confined together, good or bad.

It’s now August 26th. Things are somewhat better. Masks are mandatory. So is social distancing. We are able to go outside of our homes, but must take precautions. We can’t shake hands, but or touch, except in our own homes. I miss those things. Interaction with people is protected. Romans 15:13 states

. May the God of hope fill you with all you and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We must place our trust in the Almighty. We must believe in him and what he has in store for us. We must share this with our brothers and sisters, solet’s that we may be empowered through his love and grace,

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As I woke up this morning, more chaos, confusion and fear are in the world and in the news.

It’s back to school time.  Decisions have had to be made by parents, educators and school districts.  In one learning versus in person.  Mandatory masks and social distancing.  Learning from home.  My grandchildren are attending in person.  We are blessed that they are in small classroom environments.  My twins are in parochial schools.  My great grandson in the country, in small classes.  They need be able to socialize, make friends, get the help of teachers who are trained to educate them.

More needless shootings of innocent people by law enforcement. Communities protest, riot and loot. National guard being brought in to intervene. Families losing their loved ones. Cries of Black Lives Matter ring out. Yes, they do, but ALL lives matter. Also, police are losing their lives and jobs during this time.

Democratic and Republican conventions have been going on. Mud slinging comes from both camps. Why can’t they campaign as to how they can work together for the good of the people and our country? And November seems so far off and all of this nonsense they we have to endure.

I feel helpless. I know that Satan is dancing, a part of the evil that is happening. But God is large and charge! I believe he empowers me to be strong and faithful to him. He calls me to share his love to my family, friends and those I meet out in the world and online. Acts 16:31states And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

2020 has been a crazy and confusing year. We are in the midst of the 2020 presidential campaign which will culminate in November. We are used to the mudslinging and negativity that goes on. But has been worse.

Mid March brought us the Corona virus pandemic. Schools, churches, businesses, pretty much the world has closed down. Social distancing, constant hand washing and wearing a face mask have become the new norm.

George Floyd, an unarmed black father, has been killed by white police officers in Minneapolis. He was 59 and said to be a loving and devoted father. This is not the first incident, and probably not be the last. But is the outcome that is the problem. People throughout the country are trying to protest peacefully. But quickly riots are breaking out. Fires, looting and devastation has been the end result. This is not the protests were meant to be.

This reminds me of the riots of April 1968, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our school was on lockdown. The National Guard rode on buses in Kansas City, preparing to defend the city. Many similar events have followed over the years and probably will to come.

The Bible speaks of famine, pestilence and war.

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https://wp.me/p8W6Se-1h

I haven’t been on for quite some time, but feel it’s time to come back.

We are in the midst of the pandemic that has us quarantined to our homes. We are forced to spend more time with our families. We are cooking, homeschooling our children through online classes and discovering activities to share. In a sense, we are returning to a way of life many of us grew up with.

I believe that God is speaking to us during this time. Acts 16:31 states They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.”

We are not able to gather with our friends and family, especially our church family. My church consists of a predominant older congregation. Many do not have access to the internet, but we have made an effort to call and check on each other. The pastor has been sending out utube videos regularly. We have shared communion online, scripture,Sunday School lessons and joys and concerns. I am the social media person for the church and have shared daily devotionals per request of the pastor. I also do the majority of the Facebook page for our Regional Women’s Ministry. Communication is vital at this time. 1 Timothy 6:18. That they do good, thwart they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, skiing to communicate.

We have the power to empower ourselves and others. 1 Timothy 4:12 states. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love , in faith, in purity. Stay in prayer and faith. Give God the glory and power for everlasting life.

Be safe. Send virtual hugs to one another. Obey the mandates to protect us. But mostly obey the word of God.

I am an only child and both of my parents are deceased. I don’t have many other relatives that I’m closed to. God blessed me with one

daughter 42 years ago. She in turn blessed me with 5 beautiful grand children, 4 surviving and one little angel who died of Sids 18 years ago. I believe God needed her to be with him. Well, God has decided that it’s time for our family to grow. My daughter is getting married to a wonderful man in June. He is God sent and wonderful to the entire family. My oldest, 25 year old . grandson, has fallen in love. They let me know that I am becoming a great grandma in the fall. She has a 5 year old little boy. Plus tthey have acquired a kitty named Chico. My oldest granddaughter, is 22 and plan to be married on a cruise in September 2020. They have been taking classes to be able to become foster parents and hopefully be able to adopt. And they have added Nugget a hamster in the mix. A chihuahua is on their list to add to the family. My 8 1/2 year old twin granddaughters are busy being happy and healthy kids. They love to craft, sing and dance and be outside. They have a beta fish named Bubbles and my daughter and fiance have added a parrot named Santana to the family. He doesn’t like country music,but does love the song Black Magic Woman. He sings, talks, dances and keeps the family in stitches. They plan to get an English bulldog when they return from honeymoon. My adopted granddaughter graduates from nursing school in May. She has met a wonderful man and she has a sweet spoiled dog. They will all soon have their own homes. I believe God has a sense of humor and plans for our lives. He is growing our tribe both two and four lugged, winged and scaled. He’s gifting me with more love to share in my kingdom. Thank you God.

I belong to a Facebook page called Camden Coments. It is about my families hometown Camden Mo. I have located friends and family on here and learned a lot about my family. Today I found a picture that truly warmed my heart. Each year the Methodist church held the annual “Lord’s Harvest” sale in the fall. All sorts of food, was sold that was prepared by the ladies of the community. An auction was held with all sorts of goodies going under the gavel. A wonderful dinner was served. I found a picture from late 1953 or 1954. My dad was holding me with grandpa next to us. And the picture was in color. Men were in dress shirts and many with ties. They wore their church hats. People believed and trusted their neighbors. They shared what they had and worked hard for. This was always a successful fundraiser and empowered the church to do wonderful work for the community and the world. I have shared this picture with my daughter and grandchildren sro they know where and who they come from. I am proud of my little town and it’s heritage.