New Beginnings and Hineni

**MORNING PRAYER***
Heavenly Father, Thank you for shining your face upon me this morning. Thank you for this quiet time I get to spend with you, and thank you for the opportunity to share your love with the world. I pray only your words fall from my lips today and that you would bless all those with whom I interact today. I pray you would touch one person's heart with your word through me  today. In Jesus' name - Amen

Thank you so much for joining me this morning. I am Siobhan, my dear aunt and godmother, Nancy began this blog almost six years ago with the intent to share her love of the Lord with the world. Her faithfulness and unconditional trust in the Lord changed how I saw the world and removed the scales from my eyes. Nancy’s journey has inspired me to face life’s toughest challenges with gratitude and courage. Because of her, every morning I sit outside in my coziest chair, read God’s word, put myself in her shoes, and experience her and Jesus’ ever-loving presence. I have never been a writer, and I never thought I would put myself out there like this, but I know nothing is too hard for my God, and the Holy Spirit will provide me with exactly what is meant to be said. That being said, I cannot wait to share with you my dearest Friend – Jesus.

“Hineni” : Here I am God. Send me !

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah 6:8 KJV

Today I wanted to speak this word into you, Hineni. Every one of God’s most faithful servants was far from perfect. Moses killed, Peter denied Jesus, Mary Magdalene battled seven demons, and their stories have given so many the gift of God. When I think of what was special about them, it is that they showed up regardless of circumstance or sin, and when they failed, they ran to God rather than away. When Nancy was diagnosed with cancer, she drew closer to God, trusted in His plan, and gave all her love away. When she was weak, she was strong. When she was scared, she had courage. When her time on this earth was fleeting, she cherished every moment. When she could not see, she walked by faith. When she could not stand, she held His hand. So in these quiet moments of the morning, I will have courage, cherish our time together, walk by faith, and hold God’s hand. I know now, He will never let me go. Thank you all for taking the time to read and share your time with me this morning. How can you show up for God today? You are here for a reason. Say yes to His plan; you will never be alone again. God bless you.

– Siobhan

The Things God Didn’t Do

***Morning Prayer***

Heavenly Father, I thank you this morning for all the miracles you have done for me in this life. While I may not see it now I know I will look back and see your hand on my life and know your plan is perfect. You are righteous. You are kind. Your love is unfailing so I will trust in you and ONLY you. Amen

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose

Romans 8:28

I have been thinking a lot lately about all the incredible things God has done for me, but also the things he DIDN’T do. There were so many times in this life I just wanted to give up. When I was heartbroken, and I thought it was the end, he showed me it wasn’t. There were so many times I prayed God would give me what I wanted and I am so glad he didn’t because my life is so much better for it. For so long I wanted to “make my own way in the world” but I now realize.. My way sucks. My way is controlling, impatient, boastful, and keeps a record of all of my wrongs. But love is patient. Love is kind. It is not boastful or self-seeking. And Love does not keep a record of wrongs. God is love. He is faithful love. So even when I am self-seeking or living in fear I know his will and his plan and his plan is so much better than mine. God says ALL things work together for the good of those who are called according to his purpose. With this perspective, that job I prayed for and didn’t get was NOT for me. That addiction I wanted to hold on to was NOT for me. That thing I wanted so bad but did not get was NOT for me. If I hadn’t failed all those times, I would not have found God and lived for HIS purpose. Today, give your heart to God and thank him for the many blessings he has given you, even if you cannot see them right now. Listen to the whispers, and know… You are never alone. God bless you!

Do you really trust God?

**Morning Prayer**

Heavenly Father, thank you for your endless mercy. Because of you, I can laugh without fear of the future. God, you are my hiding place. Guide my steps today so that I may walk in the light. Protect me with your unfailing love. Through you all things are possible. I lift my hands to you Lord. – Amen

Many are the woes of the wicked,
  but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him

Psalms 32:10

Do you really trust God? I have been asking myself this a lot lately. When I am running late and worrying in traffic, I forget I can trust I will get to my destination in God’s timing. When I am stressing over expenses, I forget I can trust that my God is abundant and will provide what I need. When I look at myself in the mirror and want to pick everything apart, I forget I can trust that I am beautiful because I was made in God’s image. It’s easy just how GOOD God is. God has never failed us, and he NEVER will. That we can count on. So even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I will always let the Lord guide me (Psalm 16:7 CSB). Where can you surrender and let faith be your guide today? Jesus is waiting for you.

The Fruit of the Spirit

***Morning Prayer ***

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings in my life. I will forever praise you for the many wonders you have done for me. Allow me to dwell in your righteous and endless love. Let my words bring those around me closer to the Kingdom of Heaven. May everything that has breath praise you forever and ever. – Amen

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23, NIV

For the longest time, I thought I was losing something if I gave up my sin. But I am starting to see that when I obey God’s word, I am gaining unconditional love, unspeakable joy, unexplainable peace, patient endurance, a tender heart, dignity, loyalty, softness, and strength of will. Removing sin from my life has been a journey to joy. I once took pride in my foul mouth and wicked tongue. Now I see that true love cannot shine behind a wall of thorns. You are worth being seen and heard. Speak LIFE to those around you today and see how much of God’s Glory you can share with the world! Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits (Proverbs 18:21). Today the word I am speaking over myself is joy! What is your word today? Feel free to join the conversation and write it in the comments! God bless you!

Lean Not on Your Own Understanding

***A Prayer to Surrender***

Dear God, thank you for allowing me to spend a couple of moments with you today. I am grateful to you, even when my mind is against me. God, I know I can’t do this without you. I give up control this morning and let you take the wheel. You are the way, the truth, and the life. Please guide me home today. In Jesus’ name -Amen-

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5

I love this verse because it reminds me my heart can be deceitful, and my mind can be quicksand. Yesterday I woke up strong but got hit with a wave of worry I just could not shake. The more I tried to stop worrying the worse it got till finally I stepped away, and prayed. The second I gave in I was comforted, I was reminded that planning my life is not my job because I can’t handle it! I am choosing to take authority over my thoughts today and trust God has a great plan for my life; one with hope and a future. Psalm 55 says to cast your cares on the Lord because HE will sustain you. Where can you give up control today and give in to God? While I don’t know what his plan for you is, I do know it is greater than you could ever imagine. Have a great day and God bless you!

-Siobhan

The Lord’s Beloved

Let it not be death but completeness. Let love melt into memory. “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name and you are mine” Isaiah 43:2. Our beloved Nancy has gone on to have coffee with Christ each morning. The last hours bring to mind John 16:21-22, “When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you are now also in anguish. But I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” Yes, our family and friends are in anguish at this moment, for a hole has been created in this world, but we know that Nancy has been born into the heavenly world and we will see her again basking in the love and joy of our Lord.

Jesus Justifies Our Life

Have you ever felt like you can’t breath? The last few days I have bouts of breathlessness. I do find myself in a panic. I eventually will pray and find God. Though it’s not the go to when I am in a sense of panic. Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith we have peace by God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”Jesus tells us we are saved in this period of time.God sent his son to justify us. Thank you Lord Jesus for your peace.

Jesus comes to me often to reassure me that I am fine. When I have a bout of fear it is Jesus who calms me down and reassure me. Jesus knows my fears. Though I don’t turn to him in the moment he does find me and hugs me, letting me know it’s all okay. Thank you Lord Jesus. I love you with all my heart and soul.

When Your Weak You Are strong

Over the last few moths God has given me and my family a chance to reconnect. It started with my mother’s death and funeral. My Moms death brought all of her children and grandchildren together we sit and we talk about old times and we laugh. Sharing stories of youth and childhood. God had Mom do her final job, bringing her family together.

Today I read Corinthians 13: 1-12. It spoke of Paul and how he had a thorn in his side. This thorn caused him great suffering but God would not take it from Paul. It was a continuous reminder that when you feel weak you are strong. Right now I feel weak with my illness yet God helps me be strong with his constant presence in my life. God reconnected me with family who are there to talk, laugh and remind each other of childhood fun. I pray for my family and the joy we share. It’s a good reminder when we feel weak that’s when we are strong. I love my family and I am so glad God gave me the family he gave me. God Bless everyone today.

Jesus Fill us with Your Powerful words.

Today I struggle with it’s what to write about. Normally, I have a story in my brain, not today. I pray oh Lord fill me up with you and your powerful words. Dearest Nancy come and sit with me and know I am with you. Today the word is love, love for you, love for me, love for others. Over the last few days I have a friend who sends me little emoji’s about living well and being happy. These little emojis help me stay focused on today. I wonder about my friend, how her days go, does she live fully. I imagine with the joy she spreads that her days are full of peace.

Living Life to The Fullest

I wake up this morning with a tightness in my chest. What does the day have to brings? I am not sure. My husband brings me coffee and my daughter wishes me a good day. My heart starts to settle down and I reflect on what the day will bring. The plan is to see friends and I have health aid who comes in to help me. I have list of things I can have her do, including reading to me.

I guess I am at odds with myself, I love this life yet not quite sure how am to pass each day. Jesus I love you and you are with me everyday fill me with your Holy Spirit, teach me to live in trust of you. Send me help that I may hear the father talk to me showing me how to live life and I live my life to the fullest.