My Favorite Days

My Favorite Days
by Lisa Cohee
My favorite days begin as suchwith a bit of sunshine and lives to touch My favorite days consist of thisa sweet elderly lady who asks for a kiss A woman who has been through so much painwho simply needs me to fetch her cane An elderly man, so quiet and lonelyasking “Won’t you come sit and talk to me?” A woman who speaks only once in a whilebut with a glance she’ll say plenty to make me smile A woman who seeks such independenceshe says “I’ll do it myself”but when I stop byshe calls me her “Angel”and I could just cry A man down the hall, with a grin on his facehe pokes fun and laughs muchwhen my presence I do grace A woman who has suffered a strokebut her spirit and spunk has never been brokeasks how my day is and more often than notwill offer a hug or a sweet little poke The many men and women who live where I workall of them special, with or without quirksthey make me smile in one way or anotherthey keep me going and make me strongersome are gone now and some will stayI love them all and often I praythat I can find time in my busy dayto help them allin even the smallest way...this is all part of My Favorite Days

You're Connected to the Vine, Not the Report

Growing up, I knew this very successful business man. He owned hundreds and hundreds of orange crops. During this one particular winter, it was predicted to be a hard freeze which was very unusual because it never froze in that part of the country. He knew if that happened, it would destroy all of his crops and cost him thousands and thousands of dollars.
This man was kind of far out, but he believed that God could do anything. So he went out and marched around his orange trees and said, "God, I'm asking You to protect my crops and keep them from freezing." When his friends heard about it, they thought he was so strange and that was so odd.
When the big freeze came in the next morning, it lasted a little over twenty-four hours. His friends, who were also farmers, were so discouraged trying to figure out how they were going to survive knowing that the crops where going to be destroyed. This other man, he just kept thanking God that He was protecting his crops. Several days later, it was the most unusual sight. His property with hundreds and hundreds of acres had the most beautiful, healthy orange trees. But the trees on the properties around him, on all four sides, were just as dead as could be. It looked like somebody had put a big blanket over his property. Those other farmers were amazed. Instead of making fun of him, they said, "Next time do us a favor. Pray over our crops as well."
What happened? He was connected to the vine and not the report. He understood that God is well able to take care of us. He understood that God can prosper us even in the desert if we'll just be bold enough to believe despite of what the report says.
When we abide in Christ, agreeing with what He says we are, it doesn't matter what things look like in the natural. When we believe and agree and put God first, we will bear much fruit.
Scripture says if we will keep God first, we'll be like a tree planted by streams of water, whose leaf will not wither (Psalm 1:3). That means, financial difficulties may come, but we don't have to get all down and go into that survival mode hoping to just make it. When times get tough, don't hunker down and think, "Oh, it's so bad. If I can just hold on and make it through another year." No, dig your heels in and say, "I'm not going to just survive. I'm going to thrive. I'm going to prosper in spite of this difficulty."
We can stay in faith knowing that we are connected to the vine, and believe that God will supernaturally protect us, and that we'll see His unprecedented favor.
You see, it's not that impressive for us to be blessed and promoted when the economy is strong, business is great and everybody around us is being blessed. People can say that's just the benefit of good times or that's just the benefit of a strong economy. They can make excuses for it. But when times are tough and every other news report talks about how bad it is and how we're not supposed to make it; and yet, God shows up and does something unusual and extraordinary, that's a greater testimony to the faithfulness of our God. When God prospers you in the desert, and people see you increasing even though they're stuck, that's when they'll know it makes a difference to serve the Most High God.
The scripture says in Jeremiah that if we'll keep the Lord our trust and confidence, He will prosper us even in the desert. He'll prosper us even in difficult times. That means when others are going under, God says you'll go over. When other people are losing clients and business is slow, God is bringing you new clients. When companies are laying people off, God is opening up supernatural doors for you.
Maybe you're trying to sell your house and no other houses in the neighborhood are really selling. Why don't you be bold like this man and believe for favor? Why don't you be bold and march around your property and say, "God, I know I'm not supposed to survive. I'm supposed to thrive. So I'm asking that Your favor would cause my house to stand out." Maybe business is slow. Other people in your same field are really struggling. Well, you've got to start thanking God that He's bringing you new clients, that He's giving you new ideas, that He's opening up supernatural doors.
That's what it means to have a thriving mentality, knowing that you're connected to the vine. Deep down, we know even when we're in the desert; even when things are slow financially; even when we get a negative report, God is still on the throne. Our job is not our source. The economy is not our source. We know God is our source. And in one sense, it doesn't really matter what the stock market does or doesn't do. It doesn't matter how high the price of gas goes. God always has the final say. If gas goes to ten dollars a gallon that just means God is going to bless us in a greater way. David said in Psalm 37:25, "I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging for bread."
You may ask, "What about the economy?" Well, let me ask you, "What about our God?" He's still on the throne. The good news is there is not a recession in heaven. God has not had to cut back because of high gas prices. He's not having a shortage of food and supplies. I'm happy to report that all is well. At times, it may be difficult, and you might wonder how it's all going to work out. But just remember this: as God took the five loaves and the two fish and multiplied it to feed thousands of people, God can multiply what you have. He can multiply your time and help you to get more done. He can multiply your wisdom and help you to make better decisions. God can multiply your finances and cause them to go further. This may sound kind of far out, but God can cause your car to get better gas mileage. He can cause you to stay out of those traffic jams. God can help you find the best deals at the stores, find things that are on sale that are usually never on sale. God is in complete control.
Here's the key: as long as our source is okay, we're going to be okay. If we'll just stay connected to the vine, keeping God first, believing and expecting for His favor; then as His branches, we're not going to just survive. We're going to thrive.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease.
September 07, 2009


Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. --Psalm 119:49-50

As people live longer, there may be a progression in chronic illnesses among senior citizens. While great advancements are being made in curing cancer and heart disease, there is a condition that can be devastating to the one it affects, and his or her family and friends--Alzheimer's Disease.

The progressive nature of Alzheimer's is well known to most. A person, usually older, starts to forget the details in life. And these memory mishaps become more frequent until they reach a severe level of disability and begin to interfere with daily activities. Soon, the diseased individual fails to recognize familiar faces and places, and they lose the ability to care for themselves altogether.

God knows and has planned every day of the person who carries this horrible disease, so their gradual downward spiral is no surprise to Him. While this change is hard on family and friends, and even harder to understand, God brings comfort to those who experience Alzheimer's. And while Alzheimer's destroys the mind, God continually gives strength and hope in the spirit.

Professional support groups exist across the nation for families and patients dealing with this disease. There are many helpful and effective ways to cope with Alzheimer's for both parties today. It's important for you and your loved one to continue on in an active circle of care. We are to continually have the mind of Christ Jesus...not our own, but His. So, put the health, mind, and spirit of the one you love whom Alzheimer's affects in the hands of the Great Physician.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the grace and mercy He shows us each day regardless of the pain and suffering from this world. Ask for God's protection and watch care over those you may know who are struggling with Alzheimer's Disease or any other disease.

God is in Control

A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to Share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001. His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we Were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out To California to visit her sister. On our way to the Airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip And be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both Heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown Out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but We still missed her flight. Both very upset, we drove home. I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He Asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained That we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that Crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to Speak.. My father also had more news for me; he was going to Help.. 'This is not something I can't just sit by For; I have to do something.' I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because He had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the Phone, he said, 'take good care of my Grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my Father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort. My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been Answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my Father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two yearsBlaming God for taking my father away. My son would never Know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, And I never got to say good-bye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was Sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a Knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell She wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a Couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand And said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, But it is an honor to meet his son.' He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then Explained that my father had been the one to find his wife And free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought Of my father giving his life for people like this.

He then Said, 'there is something else you need to know.' His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, She talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at The news. Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be Standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family Would be able to thank him themselves . When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, In honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and Baby could live.

This story should help us to realize this: God is always in Control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never Know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control. Please take time to share this amazing story. You may Never know the impact it may have on someone. God Doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Caregivers Need Care Too

I am brought back to a memory so very long ago.You loved me and I loved you; that’s all we needed to know! We were ready for our new lifeCould storm through any kind of weather.As long as we had each other,We would always stay together! “For better or worse,” “In sickness and in health”Were promises we thought we’d understand.But life threw a curve ball and showed usThat nothing ever goes as planned. One day, something happened which caused us much grief.Life interrupted, stole your health like a thief! On came your diseaseWhich I could not understand.I was frightened quite oftenBut I entrusted you in God’s hand. I don’t want to treat you with pity.Acting as if you were my child.I just don’t know where to draw the line.This disease is so dang wild! Not to sound selfish, but I’m a person too!Very few know all that caregivers must do!People can’t see our pain because we hide it well.If they’d stop and ask us questions,Oh! The stories we could tell! I know you can’t understand what’s going on,This disease is a killer, no doubt!But we’re all strong together,And that’s what love is about! So please don’t forget about me, the frightened caregiver at best.We’ll keep our faith in each other, and in God, we’ll safely rest. I don’t care what you can or cannot do.The purpose of this poem is to say that I love you! Those vows were not for nothing.I meant each word I said.No matter what might happen,We will still be lovingly wed. This disease doesn’t make you any less of a person.Just changes the style of your life.Remember that you’ll always be my husband,And I’ll always be your wife!
By Heather J. Davis

Poem for the Caregiver

The Wooden Bowl

The affects of aging may be inevitable, but these do not lessen a person’s value. In contemporary Western culture, the young are considered more valuable than the elderly. This is not the case in every society, nor has it always been this way in our culture. The following bible verse appears to be more consistent with many Middle Eastern cultures and African-American cultures where older adults are more highly revered and valued. Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. – Leviticus 19:32

Most of us have been told to respect our elders ever since we were children. What does it mean to respect our elders? It may be easier to understand the meaning and application of the word respect by first looking at the word disrespect. Disrespect includes things such as ignoring someone’s thoughts or feelings, being condescending, being neglectful, forcing your opinion, or being rude or selfish. Now consider the opposites. There is a strong connection between the words honor, obey and respect. As you provide care for your aging parents remember the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do to you. –Luke 6:31. Isn’t that really what it is all about? The Wooden Bowl story clearly makes the point.

THE WOODEN BOWL

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and 4-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table, but the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off the spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something with grandpa," said the son. "I have had enough of spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and the wife set a small table in the corner.

There grandpa ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed their dinner. Since Grandpa had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandpa's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped his fork or spilled food. The 4-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little wooden bowl for you to eat your food when you grow old." The 4-year-old smiled and went on with his work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no words were spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took the grandfather's hand and gently led him to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. For some reason, neither the husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. – Author Unknown

Devotion on Faithfulness

If you live in the prosperity of TOMORROW today,
You may live in poverty tomorrow.

Wednesday 9/2/2009
He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless people and pursuits will have poverty enough. A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich [at any cost] shall not go unpunished. —Proverbs 28:19, 20 YOU AND I live in a time when credit cards and home-equity loans and second mortgages make living beyond our means all too easy. It may even be that you have reason to think your business is about to turn the corner or that the promotion is on the way. Living on that speculative prosperity today is a dangerous game to play. And living on the empty promises of fast, easy money is a certain ticket to poverty. God's principle for prosperity is that you work hard in obedience to His will for your life. Land, for instance, will yield only in proportion to the labor of the farmer. The more faithful the labor, the greater the blessing—God's promise is abundance. But if you are caught up in finding an easy way to get what you desire you'll be distracted from being faithful to God's will for your life today. Return to faithfulness now, before judgment comes.

Prayer & Scripture for Today

When I Need to Be Free of Guilt and Condemnation

Lord, even though I try to do the right thing, I often fail to do so. Help me to overcome my sinful nature by the power of Your Spirit and the truth of Your Word. Help me to not wallow in self-pity, mourning my own failures and inadequacy. Help me to not say or do something that is totally selfish because I want to satisfy my own desires. Help me to have a clean conscience toward You and others at all times.

This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
Acts 24:16

He Increases Your Strength

Today´s Verse:

"He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]" (Isaiah 40:29, AMP).

Today´s Word:
In the Bible, Joseph went through seasons of difficulty. He was rejected by his family, sold into slavery, lied about, mistreated, abandoned, falsely accused, and thrown in jail. But through it all, Joseph never gave up. He kept pressing through and doing the right thing even though the wrong thing kept happening. The Bible says in Psalm 105 verse 18, as Joseph laid in prison in those chains of iron, his soul entered into that iron. In other words, as Joseph just kept on fighting life through, his soul became as strong as that steel. God developed a supernatural strength in him that no one could take away.
If you are going through difficulty today, God wants to increase your strength. He wants to increase your power to overcome. He wants to make your inner man as strong as steel. When you keep standing, keep believing, keep doing the right thing, you are opening yourself to God´s supernatural strength. That´s when you know you are growing in Him. Be strong today. Keep pressing forward because God is at work increasing strength in you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life!
Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, today I surrender every difficulty to You. I release the questions, hurts, and frustrations. I choose to trust You and do the right thing. Increase Your strength in me so that I can live in the victory You have in store for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.