I Am Blessed!

This morning I woke and my regular Bible reading took me to a place I am very familiar with and it seemed the Lord was saying, “Happy Birthday, these are my gifts to you”.

“Now, if you will be careful to obey the Lord your God and follow all his commands that I tell you today, the Lord your God will put you high above all the nations on earth. If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours:

“He will bless you
    in the city and in the field.
He will bless you
    and give you many children.
He will bless your land
    and give you good crops.
He will bless your animals
    and let them have many babies.
    He will bless you with calves and lambs.
He will bless your baskets and pans
    and fill them with food.
He will bless you at all times
    in everything you do.

“The Lord will help you defeat your enemies who come to fight against you. Your enemies will come against you one way, but they will run away from you seven different ways!

“The Lord will bless you and fill your barns. He will bless everything you do. The Lord your God will bless you in the land that he is giving you. If you follow the Lord your God and obey his commands, he will do what he promised. The Lord will make you his own special people. 10 Then all the people in that land will see that you are called to be the Lord’s people, and they will be afraid of you.

11 “And the Lord will give you many good things. He will give you many children. He will give your cows many calves. He will give you a good harvest in the land that the Lord promised your ancestors to give you. 12 The Lord will open his storehouse where he keeps his rich blessings. He will send rain at the right time for your land. He will bless everything you do. You will have money to lend to many nations. And you will not need to borrow anything from them.” Deuteronomy 28:1-12 ERV

Now that’s quite a birthday present!

All those blessings weren’t just for the Israelites, they are for me…and they are for you too!!

“You belong to Christ, so you are Abraham’s descendants. You get all of God’s blessings because of the promise that God made to Abraham.” Galatians 3:29 ERV

“The Son of God, Jesus Christ, the one that Silas, Timothy, and I told you about was not yes and no. In Christ it has always been yes. 20 The yes to all of God’s promises is in Christ. And that is why we say “Amen” through Christ to the glory of God. 21 And God is the one who makes you and us strong in Christ. God is also the one who chose us for his work.” II Corinthians 1:19-21 ERV

The yes to all God’s promises come to us through our relationship with Jesus Christ. The promises that He made in the Old Testament are for us today because of our relationship with Christ.

What a wonderful gift we have – we have God’s unchangeable word!

And then when I finished reading I looked out my window and saw a beautiful sunrise. It was the Lord smiling on my day. I feel very blessed and I love that I get to share His blessings with you.

The Birds Were Still Singing

(continued from yesterday) Have you ever noticed how you try to quiet your mind and body for sleep and all the “what ifs” come rushing in? It happened to us that night. It was a beautiful, cool, mountain night. We were tired but as soon as our heads hit the pillows the questions and doubts came knocking.

“The night may be filled with tears, but in the morning we can sing for joy!” Psalm 30:5 ERV

Joy comes in the morning. And it did. I few weeks ago I told a friend that Jesus teaching on His Father providing for the birds is one that I live every day. Every morning I awaken and shortly thereafter I am greeted by the birds singing their sweet song of thankfulness to the Lord. It was no different in the mountains.

Sleep had been restless at best; getting used to the sleeping bags and cot, hearing the noises outside the tent, the thoughts of the days activities. But right before dawn I woke with a smile, there is was, the bugle of an elk off in the meadow. His day was starting with joy and then the mountain birds began their song. Each morning started with these joyful songs and they reminded me once again of my Father’s love and care.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are?” Matthew 6:25-26 ERV

We determined we would not worry; we would enjoy our time together. We had been looking forward to this camping trip for the last several months and we wouldn’t give it over to worry. We started and ended each day with prayer. We gave praise for where we were, who we were with and that our Father was in control.

We walked – miles each day. We read, I haven’t taken the time to read in ages and while we were there I finished two books and am half way through a third. We played cribbage. We fished…but caught nothing. We laughed and went on site seeing excursions.

Now it was Friday, the day the truck was to be ready. It wasn’t – the new transfer case hadn’t arrived. I will admit it was a bit of a scramble. We had to called the rental car company and get an extension, no problem, and they gave us a weekly instead of daily rate. Call the campground reservation line and get that extended. It’s the weekend and the birds are still singing…

One of the books I read was Vanished Arizona. It was the story of an Army Lieutenant’s wife who came to Arizona in 1874. She came from San Francisco on a steamship around the tip of Mexico and up the Gulf to the Colorado River. Then boarded a paddle wheeler and came up to Colorado to Ehrenburg. From there they traveled by ambulance and on foot to Prescott and then across the Mogollon Rim to Fort Apache. It took months for them to go what now only takes a matter of a couple of days.

Her life was hard. When we would want to complain we would look at each other and say “Just think of what it was like for Martha, we have no reason to complain”. And the birds were still singing.

I was wanting to share this all with you from the mountains but the Lord had me on “radio silence”. Only two mornings was I able to get out with postings. Our signal was so weak. I could get out with a few texts but couldn’t add any emogi’s or they wouldn’t transmit. But I did have my computer and was able to write another chapter in the book I’m working on.

We had a fun weekend doing more of the same. Walking, talking, fishing, playing cribbage and reading. We even got to have a nice warm shower at the bath house. Tuesday came and we got a text. The part had been taken off the truck in Phoenix and not loaded back; it wouldn’t be here until Wednesday.

Our hearts sank. Really? Frustration began to creep in. We weren’t angry with anyone just frustrated. We called the Enterprise and extended for one more day. We already had the camp site until Wednesday so we talked to the camp hosts and told them we may be checking out late on Wednesday, no problem. We found a Mexican Restaurant, that let Glory come in, and had a nice dinner and headed back to the lake.

We got back to camp and started packing up as best we could. Everything we wouldn’t need for the night or the next morning got packed. Tyler, at the transmission shop, told us the truck would be ready by noon. We believed him…and the birds were still singing, a constant reminder of our Father’s provision.

“Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.” Matthew 6:34 CEV

Wednesday morning we got up to sound of the elk and the birds. God was in control but our minds had so many what if’s. We talked through each one and knew that our heavenly Father would direct our steps and we found peace.

We broke down camp and headed to town. A few miles down the road we had a good strong signal so Dave called Tyler. They were working on the truck. It would be done by 12 or 12:30. Yes!

Thank you Jesus.

We got to Enterprise to turn in the truck. Eight days of truck rental ended up costing us $30 more than a five day rental – thank you Enterprise and PJ. Now on to the transmission shop. We were concerned about the cost! We had received an estimate for the work and it was high. (side note: financial issues have always been a big deal, we have known extreme lack and its not fun) The work was complete and Tyler had our final invoice. He showed Dave the bill and it was $1000 less than the estimate! Thank you, Tyler and Southwest Transmission. I almost cried and Dave jumped for joy.

Now to head back and load up the black truck and come home! Home, sweet home!

To you, our camping story may not seem that big of a deal. You have faced worse, so have we but this time we came through without fear or overwhelming worry. We stayed in a place of trust.

What I want you to know is that God is faithful! That’s who He is! So no matter how large a problem you have in your life you can trust Him to take care of you and bring you through it.

“But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him.” II Chronicles 15:4 NLV

If you listen carefully this morning the birds are still singing and God is in control!

Under The Circumstances

This morning I will admit that I have been under the circumstances for the past few days. The circumstances of low cell service and internet connection. We are here, lakeside, in the early morning when I found that I can get a signal strong enough to up load this post.

I am an overcomer!

Too many times people become overwhelmed by the circumstances that surround them. I remember once I taught a ladies Bible Study on “Are You Under the Circumstances or A World Overcomer?” This was a six week study so suffice it to say that I won’t be doing the full teaching here…

However, I continually find myself going back to these verses and principles, putting myself in remembrance of what God says my life should be.

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV

“4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4 NKJV

“4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5 CEV

So when you are feeling overwhelmed or under the circumstances do what King David said.

“God, hear my cry for help. Listen to my prayer. 2 From a faraway land I call to you for help. I feel so weak and helpless! Carry me to a high rock where no one can reach me. 3 You are my place of safety, a strong tower that protects me from my enemies.” Psalm 61:1-3 ERV

I can almost hear someone say, “that’s fine and good for you but my lifestyle isn’t close to God. He probably doesn’t want anything to do with me and wouldn’t help me if I asked.”

Let me remind you of a young man who felt that way about his father. He had squandered his money – lived with prostitutes, gamblers and didn’t care about anyone but himself. Then when he got to the bottom, he thought he would try to go home and work as a hired hand.

The Father had other plans. He saw his son coming from a long way, ran to him, hug and kissed him and restored him to right standing. And so He WILL do it for you too.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the world but overcome it in Jesus!

The Value of Inheritance

Yesterday morning as I was cleaning house my mind began to think about the inheritance we have as followers of Christ. Strange, right?

Have you seen those shows where people are sought out by someone from a law firm? Someone has died and named them in the will as a beneficiary of their estate. It’s always a feel good story…someone down on their luck, scrapping to get by and then there’s this knock at the door. “We’re so glad we found you! Our client died and you have been left one hundred thousand dollars.” Tears flow, the music swells and there’s lots of hugging.

Or what about those websites you can visit to see if you have any unclaimed money? You know the ones the States have to publish by law so they can return refunds to people; things like utility deposits, inheritances, tax rebates, etc. It’s fun to wonder if someone somewhere has left us something.

They have!

That someone is God, the Father. When Christ died, his will or covenant was initiated and we, who became Christians, are the beneficiaries of the will. We have an inheritance!

15 I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 16 So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. 17 I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. 18 My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings (inheritance) that will be yours together with all of God’s people.” Ephesians 1:15-18 CEV

“His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy.

12 I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part in what he has promised (inheritance) his people in the kingdom of light. 13 God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who forgives our sins and sets us free.

These verses, and many others, written by Paul tell us that God has given us an inheritance. Jesus, Himself, told us what we have been given because we choose to follow Him.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. ” John 10:10 CEV

A full and abundant life are part of the inheritance God has provided us. He has rescued us from the darkness and the thief who wants to destroy us. Our inheritance includes forgiveness of sin, peace, joy, power, authority, strength, health, provision, protection – it’s all in the Word.

“The Spirit God gave us (inheritance) does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control. II Timothy 1:7 ERV

“The yes to all of God’s promises is in Christ (inheritance). And that is why we say “Amen” through Christ to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 ERV

It is imperative that we learn what has been given to us and we do that by reading God’s word. I remember the first time I read “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” after realizing this was part of my inheritance.

I wept!

I was overcome by the revelation that Jesus had died that horrible death on the cross and provided me with all the strength I need each day. It was overwhelming to me! Let me leave you with one more verse on our inheritance.

“Remember that in the past you were without Christ. You were not citizens of Israel, and you did not know about the agreements with the promises (inheritance) that God made to his people. You had no hope, and you did not know God. 13 Yes, at one time you were far away from God, but now in Christ Jesus, you are brought near to him. You are brought near to God through the blood sacrifice of Christ.” Ephesians 2:11-13 ERV

It would be irreverent for us to refuse what He died to provide. We have a great inheritance; we have been made joint-heirs with Jesus. Let’s boldly use what He has provided.

Tell Me Bout the Good Old Days

We have friends visiting with us for the weekend. They have served the Lord for many years as pastors, missionaries, Bible study leaders and Mom and Dad.

Yesterday, we spent a good portion of the afternoon and evening talking about God’s faithfulness. They shared stories with us of times that things seemed hopeless and desperate. And we shared similar times with them. Each and every time we were able to share with each other had the Lord had moved miraculously and how He provided for all our needs.

God is faithful!

There were stories of the Lord providing financially, others where He brought physical healings and some where the Lord filled our lives with peace and direction. How great is our God!!

We were able to agree that God’s word was always a source of comfort and direction. It brought us strength when we had felt weak and searching for answers. We have seen the Lord provide for us from His goodness and also seen His hand reaching out to our children and our grandchildren.

The stories were testimony to God’s goodness and His love! It’s so important that we look back and recall how it used to be – the good and the bad – because in this we can see God’s faithfulness and His provision. Moses told the children of Israel to retell the stories of how God provided for them from the deliverance out of Egypt to arriving at the Promised Land.

“Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God! So love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning.” Deuteronomy 6:6-8 CEV

We need to be storytellers of God’s goodness.

“My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. ” James 1:2-5 CEV

Last night we had joy as we recalled the wonderful things the Lord had done and continues to do. The things we faced as mountains were removed when we trusted God and His word. It’s important that we retell these stories so that others will know of God’s faithfulness.

I had the words of a country song come to mind this morning as I was thinking on last night’s conversation.

“Grandpa (Grandma), tell me bout the good old days
Sometimes it feels like
This world’s gone crazy
Grandpa, take me back to yesterday
When the line between right and wrong
Didn’t seem so hazy

Did lovers really fall in love to stay
And stand beside each other, come what may?
Was a promise really something people kept
Not just something they would say?
Did families really bow their heads to pray?
Did daddies really never go away?
Oh, Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days” The Judds

Let’s take the time to tell our grandkids ’bout the good ol days and the faithfulness of our God!

Beautiful Gifts

I was reading this morning of Solomon and his dedication of the Temple. King David, Solomon’s father, had gathered the treasury necessary for building the Temple but the Lord gave the task of construction to Solomon.

When the Temple was finished and the people were gathered for the dedication, Solomon prayed a prayer of thanksgiving honoring the Lord for His faithfulness and for His promise to “dwell” with His people.  And then Solomon prayed over the people of Israel. Look at what he says.

“When Solomon prayed this prayer to the Lord, he was on his knees in front of the Lord’s altar and his arms were raised toward heaven. When he finished praying, he stood up. 55 Then, in a loud voice, he asked God to bless all the people of Israel. Solomon said,

56 ‘Praise the Lord! He promised to give rest to his people, Israel. And he has given us rest! He used his servant Moses and made many good promises to the people of Israel. And he has kept every one of them! 57 I pray that the Lord our God will be with us, as he was with our ancestors. I pray that he will never leave us. 58 I pray that we will turn to him and follow him. Then we will obey all the laws, decisions, and commands that he gave our ancestors. 59 I pray that the Lord our God will always remember this prayer and what I have asked. I pray that he will do these things for his servant, the king, and for his people, Israel. I pray that he will do this every day. 60 If he will do these things, all the people of the world will know that the Lord is the only true God. 61 You people must be loyal and true to the Lord our God. You must always follow and obey all of his laws and commands. You must continue to obey in the future as you do now.” I Kings 8: 54-61 CEV

Here was Solomon’s reminder to the people. “He (God) used his servant Moses and made many good promises to the people of Israel. And He has kept every one of them!”  God keeps His word. He kept it to Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon and the Israelites and He keeps His word to us today.

And here is the key – it isn’t so we can walk around bragging arrogantly about how much the Lord has blessed us but the blessings (gifts) we receive are so the world can know God.

“If he will do these things, all the people of the world will know that the Lord is the only true God.” vs 60

God gives and keeps His word so that all the world will know that the Lord is the only true God! So much in this world changes – you’ve heard it said “everything is relative”. That may apply to man’s plans and programs but not to God.

The word of the Lord stands forever. In our Father, there is no variableness or shadow of turning. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.  God’s love, his truth, his mercy and his grace will endure. What greater gifts can we receive from the Lord than His grace, mercy and peace?

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from his Son, Jesus Christ, as we live in truth and love.” II John 1:3 ERV

“Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus chose us by his glory and goodness, through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us. With these gifts you can share in being like God. And so you will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things they want.” II Peter 1:3-4 ERV

John and Peter are telling us the same thing that Solomon told the Israelites at the Temple dedication. God promises to do wonderful things in our life, we are the beneficiaries of His blessings. However, the blessings (gifts) are two-fold. They strengthen and encourage our lives but they also serve as a sign to the world of God’s goodness.

God’s gifts are His promises!

Thank you Father! Heaven and earth may pass away but Your word, your promises, will remain forever!

Camp In God’s Word

When we lived in the Northwest it seems our first camping trip of the year came on Memorial Day weekend. We enjoyed getting away with friends, back to nature and the creek side.

Do you like to camp? As a kid I grew up camping with my folks. In the different places we lived, there was always a lake or river close by and we would go for the day, the weekend or even a week at a time. It was great! Fishing, campfires, hot chocolate, card games, marshmellows and the stars! So peaceful and life was simple and unhurried. Awe yes, I love camping.

I don’t just like to camp by a lake or a stream. I like to camp in God’s word. One of my favorite places to camp spiritually is in the Psalms and a favorite campsite is Psalm 1. And then in that campsite my favorite spot is verses 1-3.

“God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it  day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 CEV

With Memorial Day coming, many of you will be getting away for a camping trip or a short vacation. Why not take time today to camp by a stream of living water, rest in the grass of green pastures and enjoy the warmth of the Son?

God’s word is a great place to camp and enjoy the Creator!

Recipes for Worms

Ever have one of those pity parties where it’s just you and your emotions? I have to admit that occasionally I still find myself setting the table for that kind of gathering and I have to call myself on it and cancel the party because I know it doesn’t please the Father.

As a kid, I’m sure you all said this little chant once or twice. “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess I’ll go eat worms. Big fat juicy ones, little tiny scrawny ones, oh, how they do .” Ya, I know kids stuff right? Not so much – that feeling is all to prevalent in adults as well but we just don’t sing the chant. Nobody, and I mean nobody, has a good recipe for worm cake so let’s just not go there.

The feeling that I’m all alone and that nobody really understands me, appreciates me or cares about me can be overwhelming. We’ve all had people let us down, turn against us or just ignore us as if we don’t exist. But! There is One who promises to never leave us or forsake us.

“God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.” Now that’s good news but let me give it to you from the Amplified version.

“for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor [c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor [e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!]
6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6

Now read that again. The Amplified version gives you the depth of the meaning of the words the way they were written in the original language. This is how God feels about you – He’s there for you. He will not leave you!!!! His love never fails.

Jesus has never once accepted my invitation to a pity party. He doesn’t like worm cake. (I know that made you smile.) He does show up and ask me to leave my party and my self-pity and to join Him in a celebration of the Father’s love. He also reminds me not to get side-tracked by the rejection, insults or condemning words that others may speak. He wants me to stay focused on the Father’s word the way he did.

“God wants you to silence stupid and ignorant people by doing right. 16 You are free, but still you are God’s servants, and you must not use your freedom as an excuse for doing wrong. 17 Respect everyone and show special love for God’s people. Honor God and respect the Emperor.” I Peter 2:15-17 CEV

Our real enemy isn’t “stupid or ignorant people”, it is Satan and he would love to destroy our stand for the Lord by getting us to gripe, complain and become angry. He used the same tactics with Jesus. If he can’t do that then he would like us to become so wrapped in self-pity that we are ineffective.

It’s up to us to control our emotions and stay settled on God’s word.

“Great blessings belong to those who suffer persecution for doing what is right.
God’s kingdom belongs to them. 11 “People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do that, know that great blessings belong to you. 12 Be happy about it. Be very glad because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did these same bad things to the prophets who lived before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 CEV

Leave the worm muffins and pie for the birds and the fish. Look up! We are blessed today because God loves us. What can man do to you that could possibly compare to that!!

Success!

Yesterday morning we left our little cabin and headed out in search of the perfect camping site. We found it!

Now our perfect and your perfect may differ considerably but I kept remembering what Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 7.

“Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them.” Matthew 7:7-8 ERV

We asked, we sought out and we found!

Please don’t ever doubt that God is in the details. All you have to do is look at the way a fawn has spots of camouflage on its rump or the way a lizard can hide on a stone to know that God has an eye for detail.

Dave laughed when he told me that he was so grateful to be married to me. He said, “Not many women would be excited about tent camping in the mountains with no electricity or modern conveniences for a week”. But that’s the thing, I am! And the other thing is we will enjoy it together.

We spent most of the day looking for the right place. We went through 6 different campgrounds and drove past each spot to see if it fit our criteria. At each campground we wrote down the sites that we liked and then finally we decided on “the one”. There were a lot of different sites that we liked, a few better than others and a couple we called the best.

We spent over an hour going from site to site. How are the trees for shade, what about a big smooth spot for the tent, not too rocky, is it level? Is there a low spot that will take on water when it rains? Where are the bathrooms and the water spigot?

I will not even begin to tell you that we had a serious prayer meeting about finding the right spot – we didn’t. But I will tell you that our heavenly Father is interested in our joy. He loves us! And if we trust Him he will direct our steps.

“People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ERV

God can be trusted. He wants to be included in the every day decisions of life. It might be the “perfect” campsite, or new car/home. He definitely has a plan for your job, your mate and your financial well-being.

I just want you to know you can trust Him and He will bring you to success!

Call Her Blessed!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful ladies!

Yesterday we celebrated Mother’s Day with my Mom, our two daughters and sons-in-law plus our two and a half grandchildren. We wished the rest of the family could have been with us but it truly was a day worth celebrating.

“A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!…She spins her own cloth, 20 and she helps the poor and the needy. 21 Her family has warm clothing, and so she doesn’t worry when it snows. 22 She does her own sewing, and everything she wears is beautiful… She takes good care of her family and is never lazy. 28 Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says, 29 “There are many good women, but you are the best!” Proverbs 31:10, 19-22, 27-29 CEV

My mother is loving and kind; she has been a rock of strength and a godly example. She loved my Dad with every fiber of her being. She was a strict disciplinarian. I got my fair share of spankings and most of them came from her. She was always there to listen when we had a problem or a heart ache and she shared our joys as well. Always, always she prayed for us and still does.

At almost 96 years old her gait has slowed and she spends most of her day sitting in her recliner but she never tires of telling someone about her love for the Lord and for her family.

She lives with a grateful heart and reminds us all how good God has been to her and to us.

Yes, she is a virtuous woman and I am glad to praise her for all she has done!