Welcome Heartstrings family,

As we head into a New Year, will you be filled with hope for your future? Without hope, how can one survive in this world? Will you take the hand of The Shepherd and let Him lead you?

Christmas was so different for me this year. The more stuff and such that I have let go of, the less burdened I have become. So, my greatest gifts were to hear the laughter of my family. Grandchildren now young adults all blessing others. I had no expectations. Inspite of missing loved ones, I was able to be able to be present for the day. And, God heard the longing of my heart. I realized I was getting a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Oh, the joy!

I know some of you spent the day alone. Some trying to manage loss and broken hearts. I prayed for you to let the Lord Jesus fill all those empty spaces in your heart. There were those I missed too. But somehow the Word of God sustained me. He is so faithful!

Psalm 119:50 says, "This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction; that Your word has revived me and given me life."

This is my continual feast! The promises of Everlasting Father are always before me. 

Hold fast, beloved! There is soon to be a trumpet sound that will change everything. May you find great consolation and immeasurable assurance today. Christmas will not be over. It will continue day after day for the children of God. We draw closer to the appearing of our King! 

Please take time to prayerfully read Isaiah 58. It is rich with hope. There is a light rising in the darkness. Can you see it growing in intensity? Around the world today many are coming out of darkness into the Light of Christ! The news media is bound and determined to keep the Good News from us. Who is your Master?

Verses 10-11 says, "And if you pour out that with which you sustain your own life for the hungry and satisfy the need of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in darkness, and your obscurity and gloom become like the noonday. ~ And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not." 

In this New Year, may you rejoice in giving! So many are in need and we will see where Holy Spirit leads if we ask Him. Shine brightly like the morning sun warming a frozen, snow covered ground. Keep your heart warmed in the presence of the Lord. 

My prayers are with you, beloved of the Lord. Delight yourself in the Lord this day and every day ahead. Let Him carry your burdens and find true freedom. Pay attention to the smallest of God's blessings and give thanks to Him. He is faithful! WE say, "Come Lord Jesus Come!" Hold Fast Beloved!

Abundance is...The power of Hope in Christ Jesus

Dear Heartstrings family,

I'm not sure how you came to be here with us today. I only pray that the Holy Spirit has brought you.

Do you know the heart of God for your life? I know the testing is hard. But I believe even in these trying times, God is speaking. If we will listen and trust Him with all our heart.

I want to pray like I see David pray. He had a heart for God. He was honest before Him and wasn't playing games. God sees all hearts and knows us intimately.

Resort to prayer. Psalm 109 spoke several scriptures that settled into my heart. Although the weather is fierce and we find ourselves at a great loss, we must look to God Who is in control of all things. Though you are sick in body or soul, you can find the peace of God through relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are struggling financially, look to Jesus as your provider for all you need. I know this season is to be joyful. Regardless of the circumstances, we can rejoice in all situations because we know Who we trust in.

I am thinking today of those who are broken hearted because of family choices or loss of a loved one. Do you know who you can turn to? I agree, it is not easy. But we must press on in faith.

Psalm 109:21-22, "But You deal with me and act for me, O God the Lord, for Your name's sake; because Your mercy and lovingkindness are good, O deliver me. For I am poor and needy and my heart is wounded and stricken within me."

You are not alone. I pray we can continue to be a light in the darkness around us. Only Jesus can shine through all of this.

Verses 26-27..."Help me O Lord my God, O save me according to Your mercy and loving-kindness! That they may know that this is Your hand, that You Lord, have done it." 

Help me rejoice even in this O Lord.You do bless and are able to keep me from falling.

Verses 30-31..."I will give great praise and thanks to the Lord with my mouth; yes, and I will praise Him among the multitude. For He will stand at the right hand of the poor and needy, to save him from those who condemn his life."

Do you hear David's words? Do you think it was an accident that we have this in our Bibles? It was inspired and kept for us today by the Holy Spirit. Only believe. Trust in, rely on and cling to the Lord of All.

This is a scripture I take personally. Isaiah 46:4. "Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you."

God wants us to remember in trying times these things. You're never alone. Nothing takes Him by surprise. When you're weak, HE'S STRONG. He's the GOD of new beginnings. His Love never gives up on us.

Well, guess what? God can speak to us at any time in any way. This card came back to me, after my dad died. All the cards I sent to him were returned to me. And, wouldn't you know this one came at just the right time. So don't be surprised by the surprises from God's own heart. It is meant for good not evil.

Today, there are sirens, chain saws and all kinds of helpers trying to get power back to over 30,000 people. Ours came back after a long day of darkness. There are many more dealing with flooding, fallen trees and the cold. Our state is not the only one. We pray for our neighbors far and wide and give thanks for the provision and count the blessings we have. 

My Christmas joy comes from Jesus. There are no packages under a tree yet, I feel the life of Jesus and count His presence as the best possible present we could receive. If you still don't know Him, call on Him and be saved! Read the book of John and let the Holy Spirit teach you and lead you on day by day. 

Last scripture. I know I have shared this before. But, knowing it and receiving the blessing holds me together. It is Romans 15:13..."May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope." In Jesus matchless name, amen.

Let the joy of the Lord and the assurance of His peace abiding in you be your greatest gift this Christmas. The Lord bless you and keep you, amen.

Abundance is...from the heart of God

Welcome to Heartstrings

Yes, it is December, already! If you are able, you will likely try to come up with a gift for those you love. The greatest gift is revealed between the pages of scripture. This has always been my favorite time of year and only recently has the direction of my giving to others been sweetly changed. Not by any lack but by the overflowing goodness of the heart of God. I want to give a gift that will last and last.

This is where things really change. The past busy planning, making the house festive, and foods prepared just don't have the same priority this year. I'm not depressed. Really something big has happened in my heart and mind about Christmas. Things aren't the focus right now.

Ok, you get the idea. Maybe your focus has changed too. I believe this is all in preparation for a greater awakening to the things we find in the Bible about the One, most important gift. Let's pause a few minutes and see with new eyes.

I pray you are a believer in Jesus Christ. That you realize you have been Chosen by the Father, Redeemed by the Son and Sealed by the Spirit of God. (Ephesians chapter One). 

The world is full of battles. The governments of nations, the homelife, and how is it that so many are being saved and changed around the world? Because this is the time of the last days. Nothing surprises God! He is preparing a wonderful future for us! Waiting is not easy. But, we are able with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Our fallen world is a challenge to live in. All around there is brokenness, as well as in you. Every moment we get to choose where we will focus. On our troubles or will we seek to focus on the Word of God. He is our light, our hope, joy and peace.

Zephaniah 3:17 tells us, " The Lord your God is with you, He is might to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

His delight in you is based not on what you can do to fix things but on the finished work on the cross. We can't earn His love. He calls us His beloved. Let a heart of thanksgiving keep you close to Him.

Because of the matchless love of God, we, the brokenhearted, the poor and afflicted can come to Him. We come as captives and find freedom in Christ. Find comfort today in Isaiah 61. Greatly rejoice and exult in the Lord God today.

Is Jesus Christ your most prized relationship? It can be. The Lord desires intimacy with you. Tell Him what is on your heart any time of day or night. Regardless of the journey you have been on begin fresh today. His Word will show you the way. Holy Spirit will teach you and help you always. 

There is so much from Genesis to Revelation that speaks the Love of God for you. Have you found any other who will never leave you or forsake you? Turn your heart toward Him. He will never let you down. 

I was going to share many scriptures today but instead will pray that you will find your greatest gift in Jesus Christ. 

We thank you Abba Father, for the gift of Your Son to us. We have nothing to compare with Your matchless Love. Help us to let go of the hopes and dreams offered by the world and instead place our trust completely in Your Goodness. Show us what is precious and let go of the worthless. We trust You with all of our heart and lean not on our own understanding. In all of our ways we will acknowledge You and You will direct, make straight and plain our paths. You are our confidence, firm and strong, and will keep our foot from being caught in a trap. Bless Your Holy Name! Amen.

2 Corinthians 9:15..."Now thanks be to God for His Gift, precious beyond telling. His indescribable, inexpressible, free gift!"

Merry Christmas in the most beautiful way!

Abundance is...Jesus, the Perfect Gift

Welcome Heartstrings family

Today I would like to pray that this Word settles deep down in each of our hearts. Without looking around the world for answers, depending on what others say, can we take time to let The Word of God dwell richly in us? Give glory and honor to Him.

This is Psalm 62. Bite by bite let us be filled and revived as we wait for His coming.

Psalm 62:1-2 says, "For GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved.

verses 3-4..."How long will you set upon a man that you may slay him, all of you, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence? They only consult to cast him down from his height [to dishonor him]; they delight in lies. They bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly, Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

verses 5-6..."My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved.

verses 7-8..."With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower) Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

verses 9-10..."Men of low degree [in the social scale] are emptiness (futility, a breath) and men of high degree [in the same scale] are a lie and a delusion. In the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Trust not in and rely confidently not on extortion and oppression, and do not vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

verses 11-12..."God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belong mercy and loving-kindness, for You render to every man according to his work." [Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 22:12].

I know this was many verses. Where else can we turn to for truth and life? I have found no other place than the Bible open on my lap. I pray you read and reread this passage. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you. He will guide you and fill you with understanding. Meditate on the promises of God. He has always and will forever be true. 

Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, call on Him and cast all your sins upon Him. He cares for you and bled on the cross for your forgiveness. He conquered death rising from the dead and is preparing a place for you with Him for all eternity. If this is your desire, tell Him so and be saved in His matchless name.

Someday soon we will meet each other before the Throne of Grace. You are in my prayers brothers and sisters. He is coming soon! Amen!

Abundance is...listening to His Word

Dear Heartstrings family,

Welcome back to Heartstrings! As the days go by there is found joy and ache in each of our hearts. Have you a hope that increases with time passing? I pray this for you. No matter where you come from, you can find hope for today. 

Will you join with me in prayer? Heavenly Father thank you for these You have brought here today. I pray the encouragement for each heart would be found as we dedicate our lives to You. No matter the circumstances, we can count on Your faithfulness and abundant mercy and grace. If anyone has not repented of sin and been brought into the Light I pray, they would today receive You, Jesus as their Lord and KIng. Fill us with understanding Holy Spirit. We bless Your Holy name, amen.

Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling) over with hope."

As the seasons pass, I am finding my so many thoughts about the coming of Jesus, where we will meet Him, someday soon. All the signs are there. Look around and you will see many searching for hope in the world. The wisdom of man is not enough. Everyone wants to and will follow someone. Do any of those fulfill the longings of your heart? The only place I have found is in Christ Jesus. His Word never fails.

Titus 2:13-14 speaks to us today. "Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah; the Anointed One), Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem, us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds]." Pause and think about this.

I Thessalonians 1:9-10 speaks of how turning from idols to serve God Who is alive and true and genuine..."And [how you] look forward to and await the coming of His Son from heaven. Who He raised from the dead---Jesus, Who personally rescues and delivers us and out of from the wrath [bringing punishment] which is coming [upon the impenitent] and draws us to Himself [investing us with all the privileges and rewards of the new life in Christ, the Messiah]." Praise the Lord! Jesus is alive!

I Thessalonians 2:19 says, "For what is our hope or happiness or our victor's wreath of exultant triumph when we stand in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you?"

I Thessalonians 3:13 says, "So that He may strengthen and confirm and establish your hearts faultlessly pure and unblameable in holiness in the sight of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) with all His saints (the holy and glorified people of God)! Amen, so be it!"

I Thessalonians 4:13-16. Read this! What a glorious hope we have! God is faithful and this will come to pass, very soon! Keep looking up!

1 Thessalonians 5: 9-11 speaks hope to our hearts today..."For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through our Lord Jesus (the Messiah). Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ's appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life. Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing." 

There is an awakening around the world as each heart is lifted up to God, there is found in Christ Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life each of us desire. He only is our Hope. Trust Him today.

The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace (God's favor and blessing) be with you. In the matchless name above all names, amen.

Abundance is...hope that abounds