Tag: hope

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS Pandemic Times

Not Like This

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I have good news to share today. I want you to know it won’t always be like this. I didn’t think I would be out of a job for so long or not be able to find work after being laid off. That’s my “this”. So what is your “this”? It could be homeschooling and working from home, loss of a spouse’s income, the loss of a loved one, lack of connection and human touch, experiencing financial distress, worry and increased anxiety or fear that things won’t get better. Every season is different. Winter doesn’t look like Fall and Spring doesn’t look like Summer. Can you imagine if it was still snowing in April? Or if it was extremely hot in December? We could not sit by the fireplace and enjoy our warm latte or even bear having a reason to call it “sweater weather.” Just as I go through different seasons in my life, I’m often reminded by reading the Bible that God’s promises are true and I will get through my “this”. So don’t allow what you see happening today in this season to hold you back. You can go from a Damascus road to a life changing conversion. Paul wrote many letters from prison and continued doing what he was called to do despite the circumstances. I think he knew it wouldn’t always be like this. He comforted people, wrote instructions, sent greetings and encouraged churches while he was still in chains. Now that’s what I call living on pitch.

Prayer: Lord help us keep going and keep believing, knowing it won’t always be like this.

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

How I’m Living During this COVID-19 Pandemic

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My last post was about what I’m learning in this season so I thought I would continue with how I’m living as well.  Like some of you, I’m at home all day, working,  cleaning house, doing laundry and cooking my meals.   Honestly I’m enjoying this unexpected change in life.  I’m slowing down and not feeling the rush so much.  There’s no traffic therefore no rush hours.  I have plenty of time.  There’s no running to the office to make those back to back meetings and conference calls.  I only have one meeting I’m committing myself to daily which is a prayer meeting with God first thing in the morning.  I’m able to exercise my faith and my body.  I’m enjoying the natural light beaming through my windows as I begin to work on using the equipment sitting in the corner of what I’ll call my “home gym.”  I’m developing  a quick 10 minute work out routine with my balance ball, dumbbells and resistance bands. I’m trying to build up to 30 minutes a day and incorporate my stepper that’s currently being used as a mini bookshelf.  Speaking of books, I’m reading a little more too.  I’m finding ways to get a chapter or two read of all those books I purchased.   I’m literally breathing in fresh words of encouragement, hope and confidence.  I’m making room for God to speak to my heart.  I’m checking on family members, church members and friends.  There’s still plenty of  phone calls, text and e-mail to answer as we stay connected to each other.   I am shifting, not shaking in fear due to this corona virus. How we do things has changed.  How we worship, shop, eat out, visit stores, communicate among friends, display human touch and even noticing how we wash our hands has all changed.  I’m prioritizing and restructuring  my life during these changing times.  I’m cherishing each moment I have to spend time with God and honor Him in my daily living at home.  I’m listening to God’s soundtrack. God has removed some major distractions in my life so I can be still and pray.   My earthly, temporary home is comfortable now and I am comfortable sheltering in it.  My heavenly home awaits and it is a place I can only imagine how safe it is and what it really means to stay at home.  Let me know how you’re living during this pandemic and what you’re up to.  I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

What I’m Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Giving (1)

As you know we are in uncertain times with the corona virus ( COVID-19) pandemic that is happening around the globe.  I’ve watched the news reports, watched the shelves empty as people shop for basic needs, and watched how we all have become more aware of our hygiene and are cleaning responsibly.  This time of pandemic has grabbed our attention, changed our focus to mini retreats of being at home with one another.  It has brought a whole new meaning for me to the staycation, the stay at home, the telecommute, and the overall virtual experience.  I’m learning the real value of quiet time and solitude, but even more the value of gratitude.  I’m learning to pull over, turn off, be still and listen to God speak.  I’m learning to dial in, plug in, connect and reach out in various communication forms.  My takeaways are becoming giveaways.  I’ve lost some things materially but I’ve gained much more spiritually.   Maybe God has to take away our jobs and the stress, in order for us to give away words of comfort, encouragement and hope to others.  Maybe God has to take away our consumption of time spent focusing on mindless activities in order for us to be more mindful of Him and who He is.  I’m learning God is still in control of my life and I don’t have to quarantine the gospel.  I’m learning to just share it.  I may have to stay at home but the gospel of Jesus Christ doesn’t have to. The  messages of  hope found only in Christ Jesus have the power to overcome anxiety, hopelessness, panic and fear.   Here are a few scriptures to help us meditate on and share with others. (John 3:16, Romans 8:28-31,  Luke 12:22-24)

 

 

 

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS prayer

Written Prayers

img_1193Happy New Year from Living on Pitch!  If you are reading this I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2020 New Year.

I haven’t written much last year on the blog and I’d like to write more this year.  I  like to write things down and as I get older, I need to write things down so I don’t forget.  I noticed I don’t write down a lot of prayers even with a prayer journal by my bedside.  I can make a list which is often easier to do as far as putting names on a list, writing out things to do, places to go, etc.  Writing out a shopping list, thinking over my bucket list,  and creating new things for my vision board seems much simpler that writing down a  prayer.  I am determined and encouraged though to do the things that aren’t the most convenient for me this year.  I am encouraged to write down more prayers.   I believe written prayers can be just as good as my silent or spoken prayers.  How does writing out prayers sound to you? Written prayers might help you stay focused on spending more time with God and written prayers can be read over again throughout your day to day activities.  Will you give it a try?  See if the power of prayer and the power of the pen  help you win today!

I want to offer a prayer for you today.  I  pray God blessings on your life.  I pray for your goals, dreams and heart’s desires.  I pray for focus, vision, wisdom and grace to cover you all year long.  May God’s  peace reign over you  in whatever comes your way this year.  I pray for the challenges that will change you, the things that are not seen but on their way to make you better, bolder, and build your faith in God.  May the ups and the downs cause you to be strong in the Lord.  I pray for lessons learned in both the wins and the losses.  I pray for good evenings and good mornings with God.  I pray for a new year filled with memories, laughs, and most of all love.  Amen.

 

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

Music To My Ears

Throughout the book of Psalms there are many references to singing, dancing and shouting. In chapter 33 there are several commands listed to shout for joy, give thanks to the Lord, make melody, play skillfully and sing. This passage reminds me that God is the Creator, the designer and maker of all things including music. God’s love commands us not only to hope in Him but also to express that hope in a way that others can see and hear. It’s audible, loud and expressive. It’s good to know the heavens and earth also acknowledge the steadfast love of God. Waters and seas follow His commands and the breath of God is so powerful it causes all the earth to fear Him. God is not an out of sight, out of mind kind of God. There is no need to wonder about tracking His location. To put focus on a position is pointless. To the readers of this Psalm all that really matters is knowing God sees us, hears us, delivers and keeps us. This passage clearly tells us He looks down from heaven, He looks out and observes our deeds. We can hope in God and openly express it all because of God’s steadfast love. That is good news and what I call music to my ears.

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

Hoping For

What are you hoping for this year? We all need hope. Hope to keep going, hope to hang in there, hope to keep living day after day. I heard a sermon by a Pastor named Keelan Atkinson and he reminded me that “Hope is what you hang onto until your Help shows up.” Our help comes from God and only God. I am hoping and trusting God today as my Helper. I am hoping God gets the glory for all that He does. Whatever God allows me to accomplish this year, I hope God is the center of it all.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me to hang in there. Give me strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Amen

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TWO WORDS

Two Words

Today I have two simple words to share with you and they are:

“Never Forget ”

As we take time out to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we pray for healing hearts and God’s eternal hope to abide. Thank God , because of Him we can look back even when it’s difficult and say Jesus I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me.

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prayer

Pray For Houston

As I sit on dry land today and reflect on a great weekend I can’t help but think of family and friends in Houston, TX who are dealing with floods and rain. My Monday morning worship is all about prayer today. I am praying for everyone’s safety and that God will protect and keep them. God is in full control. Let’s all continue to pray for our nation, those who are in the midst of this hurricane and for the salvation of the lost. Keep praying for others. Now that’s what I call living on pitch.

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

Wanting More

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Photo Credit:© Pakhnyushchyy ID 7949425 | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Have you ever made a reservation, received the confirmation and then got more than what you asked for or wanted? Has this ever happened to you?    You reserved a table for two at a restaurant and got seated at a nice booth instead. You reserve a mid-size car and got offered a free upgrade.  You ever reserve a spa treatment and got extra services or more time in the chair to relax.   You reserved a time for your  hair appointment and got called to come in earlier.  You ordered a general admission ticket and got moved to the front of the line like a VIP ticket holder.    I have experienced most if not all of these scenarios and it’s a good feeling to know when we’re being taken care of or treated special.  Sometimes benefits come because of our connections with a supplier.  It could be our  status as a member in  a rewards program, it could be because we’re celebrating a special day or event,  or that we’re part of a preferred group.   Sometimes I  want my life to be like that with God. I want those unlimited hook ups and promotions. I  want the VIP treatment. I want more, more, more.  I’ve learned God’s reward program is not based on any points earned or membership dues I’ve paid. The Bible says God rewards those who diligently seek Him.  He is the One who supplies all my needs.  He is able to give us more, not just because of a special status, not because of anything we earned or accumulated.  God has a unique way of confirming our reservations then giving us more just for being faithful, committed and true to Him.  When we sign up to serve, God gives us more opportunities. When we reserve a place for God in our heart, confess our sins and declare to live boldly for Him, He confirms it and give us so much more.  God  gives us life everlasting, unconditional love, joy unspeakable, indescribable peace, a blessed hope and assurance of our salvation.  Now, that’s more than we could ever imagine or ask for.

Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge you God today as my preferred supplier. Thank you for having  everything I need.  Thank you for loving and caring for me.  Thank you for being more than enough. Thank you for the overflow of grace.  Thank you for both earthly and  heavenly rewards.

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DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

In The Garden

I love flowers in the garden. I don’t have a physical garden in my home but I’ll admit sometimes I go to Home Depot just to walk through the garden section and see all the pretty colors blooming.  I’ll see someone watering the plants and flowers to keep them alive and fresh.  As I step in the garden I start to think, there’s hope for me if I just plant a seed. I may not have a green thumb but I have a garden of hope.  You also can have a garden of hope. When we decide to plant seeds of hope, trust in God and water them regularly by reading God’s word we come alive.  If we allow God to grow us up in faith, love, and truth we will see the beauty that surrounds us when we are in the garden.