So I woke up in a little funk today. Not sleeping well does that to me. As I was reading the Scripture for my devotional, it occurred to me that I was looking at the words but not really paying attention to them. I recalled some really good advice that I have heard repeatedly over the years … ask the Lord to speak to you through His word before you read it. So I did that then reread the words …

A person of blessing will be enriched,
and he who gives water also will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11: 23, The Lexham English Bible

That really hit me like a rock … in a good way. 😊

I like the way the Lexham English Bible version puts this … a person of blessing … It’s not conditional on whether or not I have slept well or on my circumstances. It is so easy for me to stay in grump mode, especially when I am tired. But really, I am to be a person of blessing.

It was actually that 2nd phrase that hit the hardest … “and he who gives water also will be refreshed”. I need that refreshment often and here is one way the Lord will refresh me … give and be refreshed.

I’m a firm believer in giving of my time, my talents, and my funds, but I can also give of myself … I can give kindness, consideration, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, a smile. It all boils down to God’s Love. I can show God’s Love and be a blessing and then I can experience the benefit of being refreshed. And just to be honest, it makes me happy to say or do something to bless someone else or brighten their day. Actually now that I think about it: Showing God’s Love fulfills something deep within me and refreshes my soul. Hmmm, I think I will ponder that concept deeper and share another time. 🧐😊

I hope that you too can experience God’s word, His love and His refreshment through being a blessing. 😊

Kim 💕

It hurts a lot. Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) woke me last night with a vengeance and it didn’t stop for a very long time. Those of you who experience PN may know that red-hot needle, stabbing, mind-consuming pain (or whatever type pain) that it seems nothing can remedy.

Today’s post doesn’t have an ounce of humor but it does have Hope! Praise the Lord God it has Hope! 🙌

At first, I was too groggy from sleep to remember my all time favorite comfort during these episodes. It’s such a bummer to be awakened by pain, but we all know that. After a bit I started to recall one of my favorite verses and repeated it over and over …

His Grace is sufficient.
His Grace is sufficient.
His Grace is sufficient!
2 Corinthians 12: 9 (Kim’s prayer version)

The pain continued, but through His word, God reminded me to pray for everyone in pain. It started out as a general prayer but I began to think of folks suffering with neuropathy and prayed for them. Then I prayed specifically for a friend with severe illness and pain, and thus my prayers continued.

Maybe you needed that prayer in the wee hours of this morning or some other morning (this happens often). I may not know you, but I have prayed for you. There is something about praying for others who are suffering too that helps me cope with my pain or hard time. It helps me refocus then gives me Hope. Actually, the Lord gives me Hope in that He knows me, and loves me, and cares about me and will give me what I need to get through until I go on to live with Him eternally. Folks, that is Hope. And that reminds me …

The Solid Rock by Edward Mote

My Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the overwhelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Dear friends, my prayer is that you too have that Hope.

Kim 💕🙏

Do you ever get a song stuck in your head? I love music and songs often get stuck on a loop in my brain. I can sing parts of the Sunday choir special all week … in my head that is. 😃

We had a great opportunity to attend what I call a “Request a Hymn” service recently. My hubby plays the piano (quite well and that’s not just my opinion 😉) so folks would ask for a hymn number and we would all sing a couple of verses. One of my long time favorites from childhood was requested, “Count Your Blessings”, and has since been stuck on that loop in my head so I just decided to share the lyrics with you today. I hope you are blessed …

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings money can-not buy
Your reward in Heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.”

Words by Oatman Johnson, Jr, 1856-1922
Music by Edwin O. Excellent, 1831-1921
Reprinted from the Baptist Hymnal, 1991

To me, this is a happy song … the words help me refocus and give God glory for all He has done. The melody is cheerful and the tempo is lively. I wish you could hear it now.

Music, both vocal and instrumental, is a precious gift from God. It comforts us and gives God praise and thanks. More times than I can remember, it has soothed my soul, cheered my heart, improved my outlook and readjusted my attitude. Come to think of it, I feel better just sharing these lyrics with you! 😃

I hope these words encourage you today too! …

“Count your blessings, name them one by one!”

God bless you,
Kim 😃💕🎶

So it started with the wasp that got in the house on a recent summer evening. My hubby had been stung while trimming the bushes only a few days prior and he was bound and determined to kill that wasp before getting another sting. We went in search of the fly swatter or fly flap or whatever you may call it … You know … that piece of plastic on the end of flimsy wire that is just strong enough to swat, or kill, a small insect, yet when wielded with the right amount of force it can easily remove everything off of a counter. One must take care while using a fly swatter, but I digress… The swatter normally resides on top of the refrigerator and way out of view. (I’ve reworded this several times. I hope you get the picture).

Well, we found the swatter but could not reach it so together we tugged and pulled on that refrigerator until it was completely free from it’s cubby. Not only did we find 2 fly swatters, but we found way too much dust and too many dust bunnies. I Was Mortified! Then I was overcome with shame and guilt over my pathetic housekeeping over the last few years. All of that dust had accumulated in my kitchen, the place that should be cleanest in my house, YUK. Out came the vacuum cleaner and after a while, a little portion of my world was back in order.

I know some of you could care less about dust bunnies but some of you are grossed out too. In my defense, I’ve really not been well enough to deep clean for a while yet I still fuss at myself for not keeping up with my housework and then I am overcome with guilt and regret for not living up to the standards I have for myself.

Being behind on my housework is just one of the many things that cause me guilt and regret. My greatest regret is not being able to help my family and friends as needed. Maybe some of you have found yourself with similar regrets and guilt. Life throws you a curve ball and makes you reprioritize. Sometimes, the energy once used for tasks has to be used just to get a shower… go to the doctor… hook up your IV meds (personal experience), etc.

I am learning to not be too hard on myself.
I am learning to accept the way things are in the moment.
I am learning to do the best I can with what I have at the moment.
I am learning to pray to sometimes just to make it through the moment.
I am learning to keep trusting the Lord.
I am learning.

I encourage you … do not be too hard on yourself. Dealing with life issues takes a lot of extra energy. This I know … God provides what we need when we need it. He knows exactly what we are going through and He cares! He wants to help us through the hard stuff of life.

Recently God has blessed me with some restored health and I am so very grateful. I still struggle but the resistant infections are under control so I am trying to make the most of this time He has granted. The main thing right now is to share with you that God is with you. He knows you. He loves you. He sent Jesus to die for our sins and give us eternal life with Him. We have hope for the future, peace and comfort for the present.

Dear Lord, thank You for sending us Jesus to save us. Thank you for Your many blessings. I pray for all who read these words that they too may know You and Your peace and be encouraged.

After our wasp and refrigerator adventure was over, my hubby said “Well Kim, like they say, one thing leads to another.” We had a wasp that led to some much needed cleaning and now, hopefully, a little humor and encouragement for your day. I am grateful.

By the way, we never saw that wasp again 😄😄😄

Have a blessed day with some hope and a dash of humor,
Kim 😃💕

She was delightful and she made my day! It was the cute outfit with those big ole, early 70’s, bright flowers that first caught my attention. I was waiting behind her and complimented her outfit. We chatted briefly while waiting at the eye doctors’ office. After wishing her a nice day she cheerfully responded with “you too!”. She was 4 years old and those 2 happy words blessed my day! I mean really, how many 4 year olds respond cheerfully with “you too!” to anybody, much less a person in line at the eye doctor?

Here in much Alabama we talk to almost everyone while waiting in lines. At the grocery store, conversations can begin with inquiries about a particular item or brand and lead to who you mutually know and are kin to (now I know that’s not the best grammar but that’s often how we word it 😉 here). It really is a great way to pass the time.

Over the years I’ve learned that one of the hardest things about dealing with health issues is the social isolation. When cooped up sick I rely on the Lord a lot to fill that empty hole from little to no social interaction. The pandemic made this isolation even harder. I found myself wishing not only to see my family and friends but also wishing to just go out and shop for basic supplies like paper towels! (And yes, being able to shop for paper towels Is a Blessing!) My doctor put me on house arrest pretty much until I was vaccinated. Many of you know and deal with similar feelings.

But there were some great blessings that developed during what I call “the covid quarantine”… livestream services (thank you Lord!!!), porch visits, live online Bible studies with folks thousands of miles away, delivery services, FaceTime shopping with my hubby while he was at the grocery store (I’m sure we are not the only ones to learn that skill 😄), an even greater appreciation for my family and friends and now, while I’m still careful but able to be out a little more, the pure joy in delightful conversations with 4 year olds. 😊

Dear Lord, in the midst of it all we really are never alone for You are always with us. Please help us to take joy in even the seemingly small things in life like delightful conversations with cheerful 4 year olds.

May God bless you,

Kim