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Your Father Knows What You Need

God’s Immeasurable Bounty

“… your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.” Matthew 6:8

“Mom, I’m going to Sam’s Club on Monday. Do you want to go with me?” Daughter, Debbie Cardwell’s timing was perfect. I had been putting off the drive to Sam’s Club in Springfield for their good fresh fruit and rotisserie chicken.

The idea of spending the day with my older daughter was exciting enough; however, God had more in store for me. I headed to the chilly produce room while she shopped the entire store.

As I assured an employee I didn’t need help with produce, he smiled and said “Blessings” as he turned to leave. “Wait,” I said. “I have something I think you will want.” As I handed him a copy of the Jesus storybook, he immediately returned to inquire where I went to church.

“I actually attend several Southern Baptist Churches in Dallas County. My husband was Director of Missions there for twenty-one years; they are all my family.”

His smile broadened as he replied, “Russell Adams! I knew him. I was so sorry to hear he had passed. I’ve been to your home. He gave me my first opportunity to speak in one of your churches after I surrendered my life to preach. His support had a lasting impression on my call and my life.” He continued describing exactly where I lived and sharing what Russell had meant to him and his ministry.

We stood a long time in that cold produce room talking about his family, exchanging phone numbers, and vowing to get together after The Rebel and Preacher Man was published. He has stories that need telling in the next book (prayers, please)! A co-worker took our picture before he left!

Do you realize God has such blessings for you as well? His love for you cannot be measured. My earnest prayer in sharing this story is that you, dear reader, will open your eyes and your heart to what our Loving Father has for you. And, if you have any doubts or questions that He is your Father, please drop me a note.

Free Beautiful Story of Jesus

I have given away hundreds of these beautiful little books. They tell the chronological story of Jesus’ life with a section in the back for you to look the scripture up in your own Bible.

I want to challenge you, whether you want to order books or not, to go to their page and pray for this ministry.

You can order one or more individual books or a case of 120. I ordered ten cases last time and carry them with me wherever I go. We must get Jesus’ story out to our lost and dying world.

My personal challenge to you. Whether you have a book to give or not, you can always give a smile. Our world desperately needs to understand how much God loves them and we can help.

I’m looking forward to hearing how God has touched your life this week.

Hugs,

You Can Change a Life Today

Pretty Card or Plain Paper – Just Send It

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

God has given you the ability to change a life today. You can easily encourage someone every single day the Lord gives you breath.

It’s a wicked world. Life is tough and getting tougher for many. Time is short. None of us know when our last day will be.

How is my encouragement working so far?

While writing our memoirs, I sent over one hundred letters to people across the United States asking for memories and stories about Russell to put into a scrapbook for our family. (Have you sent yours yet?)

My heart breaks as I read the responses, he had no idea of his influence. It would have been a much-needed encouragement for him to hear those words in his final days.

I can hear you. “I don’t write letters anymore, postage is so high!” Oh, Please! Do you know how many stamps you can buy with the money spent yesterday on that latte or soda? Seriously! Where are our priorities?

I have a personal challenge for each of you. Think of someone who has meant something special in your life and take time (MAKE TIME) to send them a card–yes, a real card/letter they can get in the mailbox! Get well and anniversary cards are often expected. Go the extra mile, and do the unexpected.

Need inspiration? Click here for encouraging scriptures.

Drag out your old address book and look at it each morning. Ask God who needs an encouraging word from you today. Mail them a note even if you see them each day. Give them something to hold on to when storms assail.

One of the most precious notes I received this week was handwritten scribbles on a scrap piece of paper. Priceless!

Think outside the box. I put a tiny bag of candy and a note on the top of my dumpster occasionally on trash day. Same for the postman. Hand a scripture card to the grocery clerk.

As always, praying for you as I write.

Hugs,

Thanks for dropping a note below! You bless my heart and encourage me to keep on keeping on ’til Jesus comes.

Teach Us To Number Our Days

Sunday Parking Lot Church During Covid

“Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” Psalm 90:12

Blessed Beyond Measure! Survived 2020 – Trusting God for 2021

And, so began our 2020 annual letter to friends and family. In August 2021 my precious Russell went Home. Trusting God for 2021? The truth is that not one of us knows when our life on earth will end. Not one of us is not guaranteed one more breath.

The letter was written at a time when we realized what we had been missing: visiting hospitals and nursing homes, shopping where we wanted, hugging a friend, and dropping in on a neighbor. We were starved for hugs, laughter, freedom, and unmasked smiles.

Personally, I wonder as 2023 soars past, do we appreciate the freedoms we now have? Take a minute to consider how we must make every minute count.

Draw closer to the Lord. Do you know for sure that your relationship with Jesus Christ is secure? Is he truly your Savior and your Lord? Are you walking in His ways daily? This is absolutely the most important issue to be settled today.

Would God have you settle a relationship? Are you harboring any resentment, anger, or unforgiving spirit against anyone? Is your heart free of greed or selfish ambition? Ask Him to create in you a clean heart. Go the extra mile. Smile and be kind. Repent and restore fellowships. (Psalm 51:10-19)

Pray more fervently for each family member and friend. Use their names, and picture each one as you pray. Ask God to stir the hearts of those who do not know Him personally; plead for healing of soul and body for others and ourselves. Take (make) time each day. (Jeremiah 33:3)

Here is some additional food for thought as we consider others.

Appreciate more fully those who care for us and tend to our needs. Hold them up in prayer. The obvious: health care workers, first responders, truckers, and transporters. Consider also mail carriers, trash haulers, grocery personnel, convenience store workers, and on and on. A sincere smile can do wonders.

I carry little bags of candies with Scripture to give to waiters, clerks, and such. Sometimes I fix a bag and leave it on top of my trash can on trash day. Or in the mailbox or for the delivery guy. Recently God impressed upon me to silently pray specifically for those persons as I leave a treat bag. I ask Him to draw them to Jesus.

From Isaiah 40 – Comfort my people, says the Lord. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

And Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Praise Him when all is well. Praise Him when your world tumbles before you. He alone has a plan. He knows what is best. He can be trusted.

Lastly, I pray for you. I ask God to fill your every breath with His spirit. I pray that you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that when that last breath is taken, you will be with Him. Be sure, be very sure.

Love and hugs,