I believe that knowing Jesus is the key to an amazing grace-filled life, and I’m excited to share my journey with you.
Jackson reached 6 months old on January 28, and wow, has he grown! He is long and sturdy, and at a bit over 30 lbs is getting to be quite a lap full! His fur has gone from wavy to downright curly, and his adult teeth have grown in.
Play is still a big part of his day, catching balls and playing with Oliver. But there is also more time spent now just hanging out and chewing on antlers.
He hasn’t attempted the basement steps yet — which is more than OK with me, but he is well able to jump up on furniture. As you can imagine, this is an opportunity for learning and discipline.
Jackson’s adult teeth have had a big impact on his toy selection. About a dozen toys that made it through Oliver have been thrown out, and even “extreme chewer” toys are no match for those teeth.
Jackson is soft-hearted and wants to please, but also a bit willful and stubborn. Next month, he will go to a trainer for obedience and bird hunting training. I feel a bit like I am sending him to military school, but I know it is for his good. An undisciplined dog can be a danger to itself and others. An obedient dog trusts his master, responds to his commands, is safer, and has a more enjoyable life.
This made me think of Hebrews 12. It says that God’s discipline isn’t always enjoyable, but it is evidence of His faithful love.
Hebrews 12:6-7 TPT
For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of his faithful love. And when he draws you to himself, it proves you are his delightful child.” Fully embrace God’s correction as part of your training, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. For who has ever heard of a child who never had to be corrected?
Scripture quotations marked TPT are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com.
I am reading, Some Days You Dance, by Vikki Burke. It is really ministering to me. I wanted to share it with you, so I contacted Vikki and she graciously agreed to ket me share a bit.
Let this sink in, my friend. Think about it until it saturates your heart. God doesn’t love us in spite of ourselves. He loves us because He knows who we were truly created to be. He loves us because He can look beyond the temporary effects of sin and see us through His plan of redemption, restored to our original condition, crowned with glory and honor, exact duplicates of Himself with whom He can walk and talk and fellowship on His own level.
Even before we were born again, God saw in us the children He always dreamed of. He saw in us the most magnificent, God-like beings ever created; men and women so divine that on the day God made them, all of heaven caught its breath in awe.
Wow! I don’t think I have ever heard it said better. I’ve read and thought about it several times, and I am working to “saturate my heart” with it, as Vikki recommends. And, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
Interested? You can purchase it and her other books from DennisBurke.org, on Amazon, or from a number of websites that sell books.
As it says in Ephesians 1:4 (TPT),
And in love, he chose us before he laid the foundation of the universe! Because of his great love, he ordained us so that we would be seen as holy in his eyes with an unstained innocence.
Oh how He loves you and me!
In good times, in hard times, at all times, we must hold fast to His promises. Trust in His love, and cast all of our cares upon the One who cares for us. He knows us best, and His love for us never fails.
I pray you will receive and hide His Word in your heart and hide yourselves in His faithful heart.
Oh how He loves you and me!
An update from Jackson.
My name is Brambleberry’s Andrew Jackson, but I go by Jackson, and by Jackie or Jack when my person Jon is training me.
I was born on July 28 and will be 5 months old at the end of this month. I came to live with my family on October 18. I am growing fast, at 20 lbs now.
Favorite person: I am loyal to all 3 of my people for different reasons.
Favorite place: any room in the house with my people in it. If Cindy and Jon or gone, I like to lay on the rug by the back slider, ready to greet them when they come back.
Favorite toy: anything I can chew on or chase, but particularly deer antlers, they are the BEST!
Favorite activites: playing with or laying by my big (130 lb Labrahound) brother Oliver, training with Jon and taking walks.
So far I have learned to respond to sit, shake, to wait by my food until they either say or motion to go ahead, and that potty is always outside.
I am working to learn bird hunting commands, like hold, hunt ’em up and bring it. I hear them say I am a bit stubborn, so they are teaching me to come when I am called.
It seems like something special must be happening soon. Yesterday, Cindy spent hours baking cookies and listening to music, I could tell one was her favorite because she was singing along. I wonder what’s next!
From Cindy: This is such a special time of year, when we take the time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. My favorite song is Oh Holy Night. It reminds me that it’s when everything changed, it’s when…
God (who is love) so loved the world (every person) that He gave His only (dearly loved son) so that we might be saved. Through accepting Jesus, we are redeemed and reconciled to God, adopted into His family as His dearly loved children. Joy to the world, indeed!
Oh how He loves you and me!
You may wonder where I’ve been lately, why I haven’t been writing… It’s because of a certain Boykin Spaniel who has been taking up a lot of my free time.
His official name is Brambleberry’s Andrew Jackson, but we call him Jackson. He was born on July 28 and joined our family in early October, just 2 days after we met and were approved by his breeder. He has a dark brown soft and wavy coat and beautiful eyes. He will be trained as a bird dog as well as being our family dog.
We have enjoyed Jackson’s sweet and saucy personality from the start. He’s smart and a tad stubborn, but also wants to please, and is very food driven.
However the realities of his needs sure have changed our every day life! It’s like having a toddler in the house! Potty training, regular exercise, keeping him interested in toys and play — and out of trouble. If not sleeping or in his kennel, someone must always have eyes on Jackson. For example, one time he got the TV remote and almost ordered a new channel!
I was grateful when he started being able to make it through the night. Those 3 am potty breaks were no fun.
He is growing fast and already learning basic commands. As of Tuesday, he will be 4 months old and is 19 pounds, about 1/2 way to his adult weight. That’s all I have time for now, but I will share more of our LBD adventures again soon.
Of course, I can’t close without reminding you of the Father and His love. He sees you and cares for you, oh so very much. Read the book of John. Oh, how He loves you and me!
I am praying these words taken from Psalm 20 over Israel. Over all those I know or don’t know. Over all those who have personally experienced or have been impacted by acts of terror. Over the Israel defense force who stand ready to defend their nation and over their leaders.
Complete Jewish Bible
May Adonai answer you in times of distress, may the name of the God of Ya‘akov protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Tziyon… May he grant you your heart’s desire and bring all your plans to success… Now I know that Adonai gives victory to his anointed one — he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we praise the name of Adonai our God. They will crumple and fall, but we will arise and stand erect. Give victory, Adonai! Let the King answer us the day we call.
The Passion Translation
In your day of danger, may Yahweh answer and deliver you. May the name of the God of Jacob set you safely on high! May supernatural help be sent from his sanctuary. May he support you from Zion’s fortress! May he remember every gift you have given him and celebrate every sacrifice of love you have shown him. Pause in his presence May Yahweh give you every desire of your heart and carry out your every plan as you go to battle!… Yes, God will answer your prayers, and we will praise him! I know Yahweh gives me all that I ask for and brings victory to his anointed king. My deliverance cry will be heard in his holy heaven. By his mighty hand miracles will manifest through his saving strength. Some find their strength in their weapons and wisdom, but my miracle-deliverance can never be won by men. Our boast is in Yahweh our God, who makes us strong and gives us victory! Our enemies will not prevail; they will only collapse and perish in defeat while we will rise up, full of courage. Give victory to our king, O Yahweh! The day we call on you, give us your answer!
Amplified Classic
MAY THE Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high [and defend you]; Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh, and strengthen you from Zion… May He grant you according to your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans… May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God. They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright. O Lord, give victory; let the King answer us when we call.
Sharing some thoughts about His peace with you has been on my heart for a few weeks, particularly with all that’s going on in the world thesse days.
If you are feeling anxious, fearful or stressed, I hope you will be encouraged by this good, good news!
You get to choose: No Jesus — No peace, OR, Know Jesus, Know Peace!
How do I/we choose peace?
The 1st step is to ask Jesus to come into your heart, to be your savior and Lord.
The next step is to get to know Him through His Word — and to choose to trust and believe that He is who He says He is, and that His Word is truth.
Then when a fearful or anxious thought comes, you fight that thought with truth the truth. You remind yourself of who He is and that you are His.
Next, read and personalize scriptures, speaking and applying them to yourself. Here are some examples:
Isaiah 9:6, says that Jesus is The Prince of Peace.
John 14:27 TPT says, I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!
Philippians 4:6 TPT says, Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life,
1 Peter 5:7 TPT says, Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.
One of my favorite scriptures is found in Isaiah 48. It reminds me of who He is, and that is teaching me and leading me.
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.
Isaiah 48:17 NLT
My prayer for you is found in Romans 15:13 TPT, It says, Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!
Be encouraged dear one. Oh how He loves you and me!
Scripture quotations marked TPT are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com.
Ephesians 3:14-19 is one of the Apostle Paul’s power-packed prayers. You can read and receive it as prayer for yourself, or personalize it, and pray it to the Lord for yourself or others.
It struck me tonight that I have read this prayer often, but I stopped at verse 19 and missed the powerful words of verse 20. So, to emphasize verse 20, I started with it below and followed with verses 14-19. I hope as you read this, you are reminded of Who He is, the great things He desires to do in your life, and of the amazing love that our perfect Father has for you.
Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Ephesians 3:20 TPT
So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth. And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!
Ephesians 3:14-19 TPT
All Scripture quotations are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com.
Below is a prayer that was prayed by Mr. Rogers. But first is lesson on gratitude from him. If you enjoy these you may want to purchase “The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers: Spiritual Insights from the World’s Most Beloved Neighbor.”
Mr. Rogers never talked about his faith on his beloved childrens program, but it was a part of who he was, and prayer was a part of his every day life. He had a unique way of making everyone feel loved and accepted… as in the example below (from the above book) during the taping of one eposode of Mister Rogers Neighborhood.
Mister Rogers said, “I wonder if you don’t have somebody in your life that just the very thought of that person makes you feel better…It would be wonderful if you could take a minute, at least a minute every day, to think of such a person. “Just think. Just be quiet and think,” he said softly. “It’d make all the difference in the world.”
in a 1992 graduation ceremony he prayed: “Dear God, please inspire our hearts to come ever closer to You… We pray for those people who know us and accept us as we are. Those people who encourage us to see what’s really fine in life… We pray for all the people of Your world, our sisters and brothers whose names we may not know but whose lives are ultimately precious in Your sight. With all our hearts, we pray for all Your children everywhere—yes, everywhere…And finally we offer our strengths and our weaknesses, our joys and our sorrows to Your never-ending care. Help us to remember all through our lives that we never need to do difficult things alone, that Your presence is simply for the asking and our ultimate future is assured by Your unselfish love. In our deepest gratitude we offer this prayer. Amen.” You can watch it here.
I am inspired by this, and reminded to “just be quiet and think…and to be grateful for those people have encouraged me to see what’s really fine in life — for a minute every day, and to take a moment to pray for them. I hope you are too.
I read that it was Mister Roger’s practice to pray at the studio door each day “Dear God, let some word that is heard today be yours.” And to that I say, amen.
You can view episodes of Mister Roger’s Neigtborhood or watch, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with Tom Hanks, on several streaming services.
It’s been on my heart to share a few of the resources that the Lord has used and is using to teach me. This list is far from complete, but I hope you will find something that will minister to and encourage you.
Billye Brim’s website has Prayer Cards with a bit of Hebrew mixed in. They are a delight to read and use.
Terri Copeland Pearson is an excellent teacher on prayer and a joy to learn from- the series “Praying Like A Grown Up” is so good.
This is an excellent daily devotional. It really ministered to me the 1st year, I still find myself reading it at times. I Hear His Whisper: Encounter God’s Heart for You, 365 Daily Devotions by Brian Simmons
Many of Graham Cooke’s teachings are available on YouTube. I have enjoyed several, but this one (broken into several short videos) I needed to hear: The Practice of Rest. You can also purchase and download from Brilliant Bookhouse.
I often play the music by Kimberley and Alberto Rivera when I pray, sometimes just to fill the atmosphere with peace. A favorite is Prayer Soundtracks.
Mama Jane’s Secret: Walking in Deep Friendship With God by Chad Norris. I have it both on Audible and on Hoopla as an e-book rental from the library. I am listening for the 4th time now and learning a lot. It’s available on Amazon and from other online book sellers.
I am so hungry to know Him more and so grateful that it is His hearts desire for each one of us. Oh how He loves you and me!
One of the books In am currently reading is titled, Watchman Prayer written by Dutch Sheets. It teaches about prayer strategies for protecting your home, family & community from the enemy’s schemes.
I was both struck by and ministered to by the following quote. I am still thinking about it and wonder if it will give you a “pause and think about that” moment as well. The emphasis on the last part is what I find myself focusing on.
“Abraham did not grow strong in faith because he refused to acknowledge the natural circumstances. He grew strong in faith while acknowledging—even contemplating—his and Sarah’s conditions but respecting the promise of God so much that it carried more weight than the earthly reality.”
I highly recommend the Give Him 15 prayer website, GH15 app and his books. You can learn more at http://Give Him 15 website. He is also on YouTube, Facebook and Rumbl. We have much to pray about in these times, and our prayers of agreement are powerful.
I am thinking about what that means tonight. What comes to mind is that there is absolutely no movement or effort on my part, I am in a place of complete trust and rest. Oh, the Father and our precious Savior know how much it’s needed. And I am grateful.
I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me. Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me. For he alone is my safe place. His wraparound presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. Trust only in God every moment! Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him. Believe me when I tell you—he will help you! Pause in his presence.
Psalms 62:5-8 TPT
One of my favorite stories is found in Samuel 9. It’s the story of Mephibosheth and how he came to have a place at the Kings table. But to really understand the story, you have to read 1 Samuel 18-20, which begins right after David kills Goliath.
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own life. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, even his sword, his bow, and his girdle.
1 Samuel 18:3-4 AMPC
And Jonathan told David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and yours forever. And Jonathan arose and departed into the city.
1 Samuel 20:42 AMPC
Of course, there is a lot more that happened before we get to Mephibosheth’s part of the story, but it would not have happened if it were not for the covenant between Jonathan and David. Because of it, David was required to show covenant kindness to Jonathan’s son, but I think perhaps love drove him even more.
David said to him, Fear not, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your father [grandfather], and you shall eat at my table always. And [the cripple] bowed himself and said, What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I am?
2 Samuel 9:7-8 AMPC
Isn’t that something? He called himself a dead dog… but David didn’t even respond to that — it seems like he ignored it. He just proceeds to declare his plans to bless Mephibosheth and his household, to restore what was lost, to make provision for him and his family.
It makes me think of Jesus. He is the King of all Kings, and yet he gave his life — his body and his blood to establish a covenant that cannot be broken for us, for all who will believe. Through that covenant we are forgiven, redeemed, restored to relationship with God. He calls us his children, he adopts us into his family. We truly have a place at The King’s table.
We don’t deserve it anymore than Mephibosheth did. Nevertheless, it is freely offered by the God of our Lord Jesus, the Father of mercy, who is full of grace, and who is love.
So the next time the enemy says you or I are not good enough, unworthy, don’t do enough… Let’s remind him that it’s not about me or you. It’s about Jesus and what he did. We can’t/didn’t earn it. We are adopted members of God’s family, and Jesus is our Lord. Then praise God and read this verse:
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
Psalm 23:5-6 AMPC
Just picture yourself, whatever is going on around you, choosing to stay seated at that table, at rest in His care. God is always with you. He has prepared that table for you with everything that you need. Look to Jesus, keep your eyes on Him. He is the author and finisher — start to finish of our faith. Oh how He loves you and me!
I recently sold a cute little purple scooter to a young mom and I’ve been thinking about the reaction of her lttle girl. Apparently there was a discussion between the mom and daughter before the arrived, because she jumped out of the car, looking for her surprise. Her mom said something like, “now wasn’t that a nice surprise?” The little girl stood at the end of the drive waiting for me to bring it to her. I couldn’t see her smile because both hands were over her mouth, but the twinkle in her eyes gave away her delight.
I was reminded that we are the children of a good, good Father. Of how Jesus taught the importance of child-like faith — and that its the delight of a daddy (or mommy) to give their children good gifts. That’s how God is too. He wants to bless us, but to receive from Him we must believe Him — Have faith in what He says. Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear:
And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 TPT
And without trusting, it is impossible to be well pleasing to God, because whoever approaches him must trust that he does exist and that he becomes a Rewarder to those who seek him out.
Hebrews 11:6 CJB
I can imagine how very sad the mommy would feel if her little girl didn’t believe there was a surprise for her, if she doubted her mommy (who loved and cared for her all the time) and just sat in the car. I never want to act or react in a way that would make God feel that way.
Instead, when I face challenging circumstances and even I can’t see or know what’s next… I will remind myself that He is love, His child and that He loves me. I will trust Him, believe that what He says in His Word He absolutely means. I will remember that He is faithful and that He rewards those who seek Him.
Oh dear ones how deeply loved you and I are by God. Let’s thank our good, good Father, Let’s give Him the gift of faith and please Him by trusting Him. Let’s live with a joyfilled expectation of experiencing His goodness! And let’s praise Him with these words of King David:
But in the day that I’m afraid, I lay all my fears before you and trust in you with all my heart. What harm could a man bring to me? With God on my side, I will not be afraid of what comes. The roaring praises of God fill my heart as I trust his promises. You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance. The very moment I call to you for a father’s help the tide of battle turns and my enemies flee. This one thing I know: God is on my side! I trust in the Lord. And I praise him! I trust in the Word of God. And I praise him! So I’m thanking you with all my heart, with gratitude for all you’ve done. I will do everything I’ve promised you, Lord. For you have saved my soul from death and my feet from stumbling so that I can walk before the Lord bathed in his life-giving light.
Psalms 56:3-4, 8-10, 12-13 TPT
Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!
Psalms 27:14 TPT
A Grateful Grace-full Life 