But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 ESV
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1-2 ESV
Ok two.
In the first scripture, the word distress is sometimes written as trouble or adversity like difficulties depending on the version you read. My time has been taken in a sense by stepping in again to help care for someone I care about who has been trying to heal after surgery. It surely has been a challenge for me and has left me somewhere in a place I find difficult to be in. It isn't that I can't it's that the person is demanding at times and there hasn't been any room for me.
I'm so thankful God is my refuge and His word hidden in my heart ~ I also had the best beautiful blessing to start my day a part of a favorite song sung and sent by audio text - Way Maker. He is certainly that and more. So with all the happenings that are not so pleasant, I know He makes a way when their doesn't seem to be one or when some of my thoughts come out like above. :)
This post is a tribute to my mom, and really to all mom's and their self-less, perhaps sacrificial love for their children.
"May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! Proverbs 23:25"
My mom was very young when I was born. Though I don't know where all the photo's have gone over the years, we lived in a a couple places before my brother was born. Though on a surprising note, not to many siblings can say we were born on the same day four years apart. Again, I wished I had more photo's of that time, but I have the pictures and memories I've stored inside.
"And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart." Luke 2:51
This was the first and last birthday I remember ever having when we were kids. Our cousins were there and my childhood friend Diane. I mentioned to mom one time it would have been nice to have had your picture and she responded - well you have the cake I made and my big toe! lol
My brother and I were always together and I watched over him as long as I could remember like a mother hen. On a sweet note to share, mom told me that when he was born I thought he was my birthday present and claimed him as mine. :)
"Children are a heritage (gift) from the Lord, the fruit of the womb (offspring) a reward (from him)" Psalm 127:3 [NLT, NIV, ESV]
A year or two later, and wishing this were a better photo, was our last Christmas spent in this house. The last "magical" one for a kid or I had growing up. After that I remember coming home one day from school with everything in the house gone. Sitting in the driveway was a car packed up, I was introduced to the man driving and we headed out the road for Florida. I didn't get to see or say goodbye to anyone or my dad. I was in first grade we didn't have kindergarten at the time, and I think we were possibly close to our next birthday, but I now have no one to ask.
I never forgot that Christmas and when my boys were little I tried to have my own traditions while keeping one my mom did for us. Oddly enough I couldn't quite recall how the stockings came to be - though I was always filling my boys stockings and placing them on their beds at night so when they woke they had a happy surprise. Later years down the road my mom shared this after I sent a post from my blog to her on stockings I'd been making:
"The tradition with the stockings came from along time ago when I was a kid. When you and Dave were small I would wrap every single thing in your stocking and put them on your bed for when you woke up. I'd hear you guys in there laughing and ripping off paper. I think the stockings were always the high light of Christmas, I know it was for your sisters. It was filled every year until they got married. So was their Easter Basket. When they married they were past to the husbands to continue on, some did and some didn't. I think it all depended on how they were raised in their family. Oh that guy singing I think The Keeper of My Heart (post) what a voice. Enjoyed that a lot. Well I have to close and get ready for work, Miss you.You guys have a wonderful Christmas. oxoxoxoxoxoxox Mom" 12.22.2014
When I think about the selfless or sacrificial love of a mom I do think of mine. After getting to Florida, I wasn't happy there and things weren't good, not right. I did go to school for a bit. There was a gentlemen who lived next store though I didn't quite remember the how I got to school details, the name of the school or how long I attended. Mom mentioned when I was older and married that he was the pastor/something in charge of this Christian School there. I remember the classroom even the kid who sat behind me, he used to eat his pencils then ask for mine! He asked me one day can I have a pencil, I handed him one and said please don't eat this one, he replyed "I won't" - do you promise I asked - he said yes. Honestly, I don't remember if he did after and then we all went out for recess. Oh they did have a pop machine and I had RC with my sandwich. I don't remember how I even got back from school, or even the mans name, only my brother being happy I got back.
Now getting back to the sacrificial love of a mom - I don't know how much time went by all I can say is my mom knew we weren't to be there, it wasn't working. One day my grandpa (pap), my dad's dad, showed up. He and my mom talked for awhile - bags were packed and we walked out to a taxi. Looking back, my mom was standing on the porch and waving goodbye. We watched each other until we drove out of sight and that was the last time we lived with her.
I realize this sounds hard to believe for those who might be reading this. From a young age I knew I wasn't to be there but didn't realize the full extent of what mom did for us. We got on a plane and headed back to PA where we all got on with our lives. We lived in one grandparents house that was next door to the other. I got back to school and went to church every Sunday with my mom's mom and dad. My mom stayed in Florida - remarried and my first sister was born in which my brother and I even played with her when they came to visit grandma and grandpa, she was about three or four. As a mom myself I'm not sure how I would have done this. Mom was next door and we never visited each other. Though I have to believe she had the strength to do what was hard and even heartbreaking - She loved us. I'm also sure it was how she could deal with it.
The Bibles shares about mom's who had a sacrificial love putting their children above their own needs, Moses' mom was one, in order to save her son, she put herself aside to save him to become "Moses." . Exodus 2
Hannah was another, all she wanted was to have a child and in return gave him up - back to the Lord for something better - even greater than realized. 1Samuel 1
Each story here God honored and bless the mother and the children, He answered their prayers. When I was younger and growing into a teen I started thinking about what my mom did. I also felt sad because there was't any real communication with mom, we all just moved forward. We even moved out west years later, of course we always were in contact with my mom's parents and all our other relatives. Mom later sent me little trinkets of mine that I made or had from school even a gift I purchased for her at a school fund raiser, she kept it all. One year I received a poncho she made for me when I was twelve I still have it. She keep my brothers bear in the above picture - which I think he still has. 'Mother's do store up treasures in their hearts' ~
"Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?" Isaiah 49:15
Sometimes mom's do what is needed while putting themselves aside. I have found over the years having to do what was best all the while putting my desires aside. The Lord also helped me get through many things that were difficult for me what my mom did also took courage and strength that came from an inner source. I don't know if she realized from who at the time and we never got to talk about it, I never brought it up.
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25
Years passed and I was married having children of my own, prior to that I found it harder to think about that time and feeling we were robbed of family. I was hurt and a bit angering - enough so that I had to ask for God's forgiveness with how I was feeling. I needed inner healing myself, I learned to forgive.
Now saying this is interesting. I did forgive, however, I still didn't live around my mom she also had a different family of her own. Being we were also in the Coast Guard we did live from one side of the country to the other. One year we traveled to our new duty station in Virginia. In driving distance we weren't to far from family in Pennsylvania. While here I thought a lot about what I asked the Lord.
We had some time off and we planned to go visit family. I asked the Lord and thinking I was good and all was forgiven, I asked Him, if you want me to see her I'll leave it in your hand, saying this while all the while thinking 'plotting' how not to run into her. So we made it PA and to my gramma house. We went upstairs and in the kitchen we sat visiting, I keep thinking my mom was probably at work. To our surprise a car drove up and cellar door opened, gram went to the door and realizing it was mom. She was shook and moving back and worth from door to table didn't know what to do. I said it's okay ~ When my mom saw me she ran to table almost jumping over grabbing me and in tears! Tears of every old emotion passing and we had tears of joy!
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."Romans 8:18
I got to see my other two younger sisters and we all kept in touch - Mom had a birthday party for me and made me a cake.
All of us got together and went to Kennywood Park for the first ever family outing. I even got to ride that wooden rollercoaster I'd been dying to since very young!
I can only speak for myself, I felt as God blessed us being reunited together and it was as years past were wiped clean. All was forgiven and gone.
We made up for lost time. We visited ruins in NM - celebrated weddings and even went to teas.
With this tea, a beautiful time we had and our last in person visit.
"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you;" Isaiah 33:13
God in his love for all of us comforted us at our time apart. I believe my mom believe that we would all be together one day. I think that was our hope.
While in Florida I have to share this and really what started my thoughts on this post/Tribute to my mom.
Last fall I had a dream that was so real. My mom and I were way up in the air it seemed like we were sitting in a small plane and facing each other. Mom was sitting near a window and she looked beautiful and without using oxygen. I had the sense we were floating actually felt weightless and airy to touch. It was sunny with the most beautiful clouds - then I woke up. What came to mind as I was smiling she would be leaving soon. I shared the dream with her not saying what I believed.
I had one other dream while she was in rehab. They were hoping to help strengthen her to return home. I believe we all knew she wasn't necessarily recovering but we were hopeful she would at least breathe more comfortable and enjoy her time. (my thoughts anyway) So while she was there I talked to her as much as I could, mom was having hard time with her phone or seeing to text. When I spoke to her maybe earlier from the last day I did, I had another dream and vision I saw years before. She was standing on the porch in Florida smiling waving goodbye. I woke up and knew she would be leaving. That vision in my dream prompted this post.
"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6
Here about two years ago my mom gave her testimony at her church before heading back to live in Florida with my sister and her family. I don't have the audio yet (working on it) however, I listened livestream and was blown away to hear she gave her life to the Lord at fourteen at a Billy Graham Crusade. My first thought was gee that would have been nice to have known! I also appreciated what she said, that she had made many mistakes. I can't quote word for word but will said God was there. I know exactly how this is.
Knowing you have God in your heart as savior you know that we are not yet perfected we still make mistakes but God in his love for us His mercies are new every morning we have forgiveness in Him and a relationship with Him. He is working out all the details of our lives - that is those who are His. This is what make it hard for the unbelieving to understand. We needed a Savior which is Jesus. And those who are His know it in their hearts, though we do make mistakes we know our destination. My mom knew this and she is there. I can celebrate that as I miss her here.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Psalm 34:18
He also restores families! And will continue even if some do know how this can be, He is hearing someones prayer.
"I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, Joel 2:25
"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
Nancy Lou (Baker) Dickey (1939 – 2025)
We will be celebrating Nancy’s life on March 22, 2025, 2:00 PM Saturday at Salina Bible Church, 4132 PA-819, Avonmore, PA 15618, with refreshments following.
With Nancy’s faith in the Lord, she could stand on His word. ‘We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from body and home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.
One day, she said goodbye
we left and went away.
We were very young,
but I still remember
her standing on the porch
and waving.
To know a mother's love,
It took some time.
To realize her love it took
some time.
And God healed it all.
VLB 2.26.25
The Keeper of My Heart ~
Updated 9.1.25
:
My sister sent a box of mom's things to me and in there were photo's. Some I hadn't seen in years and others I don't remember at all, only the memory of being there. I was happy to see them and the memories our mom kept close. Here's one ~
It's been six years ago this very day the Lord took Jim away. I don't know if one really stops missing the one you loved and been with for many years. Through good times and not so good times. Happy and sad times. Someone that is so close to you and knows everything about you because you let them in. This was Jim. Except for the Lord no one knew me better.
We shared many adventures.
We had three sons together.
With wonderful memories.
He loved his boys.
He loved Fords.
He smiled in pain, and no one knew it.
He was determined to make it to the big island to see his first grandchild. He spent valuable time enjoying every moment. He also was at tears for the pain he was in. He told me that when he was taken to the ER the doctor took one look and said he understood why after seeing his x-rays.
He would always smile no matter, he knew the secret - he also struggled; it was a physical, mental, and spiritual battle he was in. Meeting Ravi was also a highlight. Both are with the Lord both had lived with pain.
He spent a Christmas at that the hospital - Jim liked to make me laugh. He was a true patriot. lol
He told me he would see his granddaughter! And he did.
He was rarely seen like this and not long after he left at the age of 56. A little girl asked me one time if my daddy let me eat something as we were in a restaurant. I laughed called her sweet and felt so bad because his illness aged him so.
Jim was a good sport and the love of my life.
Grief hurts bad because you love so much. However, out of this - if I were to say I've learned something on this journey, is that God has been with me every step. And, I'm grateful to have been so blessed with Jim in my life.
I have been sharing a lot with others over the past few years about grief. Not really a surprise for my hope has always been to encourage others. I recently read in her book that they, Toni Singleton Adams, 'discovered being a widow was like when you purchase a car and discover everyone else has it' - you mostly have something in common with one another. Though not a humorous thought, I had to laugh a little for understanding. My husband was a 'great purchaser' of something new on a regular basis and every time - no matter what vehicle it seemed to be everywhere and in the same color! Basically, you are not the only one alone as you thought - we are many.
I don't remember if I shared in a previous post, I started a widow's group at my local fellowship The River. The ladies are from all different backgrounds, being married a different number of years, having fellowshipped in different denominations, our husbands have gone on having been gone some months and some years. Two things we share, the loss of their husbands and the belief of seeing them again. We may grieve differently but we all have experienced the same loss of half ourselves.
When we get together, we have an opportunity to encourage one another - share the importance of healing with God's help, continue to learn and grow moving forward, see something that is often forgotten - the importance of who you still are - you are valued, and one other thing though there are many we cover, it's important to allow time to grieve, crying is healing, it is also important in this healing process to yield your loved one to the Lord. Yeilding doesn't mean a nonexistence state as if they didn't exist, you still miss those you love; it also doesn't mean you are dishonoring their memory. It does mean you are allowing for healing by letting go and trusting God in moving forward.
Yielding is not easy; we all want to hold on but yielding our loved one to the Lord and committing - with 'yielding' ourselves we are opening the door for God to start healing our broken heart. I have had to. With time to think on this and I am willing to trust God - standing on the validity of His Word.
At the end of last month, I thought of a phrase as I was looking at Jim's journals and missing his presence, I wrote it down. I guess I was feeling lonely - it is true I purposed in my heart putting God front and center, focusing in on Him and my walk; because I did, even though I still miss Jim, I am able to continue my race* and understand as a widow letting go is very important to continue on my walk with Jesus. And here comes the phrase - am I honoring his memory or idolizing - by not letting go. It would be easy for us -to fall into the later out of our grief and not wanting to let go or being able in a healthy way to let go.
At church we hear a lot about renewing our minds as written in Romans 12:2 [super important] but what about what is going on in our hearts as?
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. NLT
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow springs of life. ESV
There is no question so many are hurting, grieving for their other half. But there is so much to all of what we are experiencing that God longs to help us with. Several times widows have expressed not enjoying how they are feeling at all though struggle to let go. I believe in yielding and have done so. I still occasionally take steps backward then forwards when issues arise that Jim and I worked out together. However, being honest here, I feel better over-all yielding - letting go while still honoring his memory.
This was not an easy post to write very heartfelt and I am so aware of others grieving. Letting go, I believe, is vital for everyone. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or something else you are living in. Moving forward many times means letting go. It is especially true in a relationship with God. Letting go is instrumental for healing and for God taking us to where our lives are to be as His children. Now, isn't all of this in God's timing? Isn't everyone different, healing and growing different? Yes, but for the believer we need to seek Him, put Him first in all things and trusting Him for the outcome. For someone who do not have a relationship with Jesus it is still important to let go to heal, and I pray that you get help need and consider locating a good fellowship or check out Grief Share in your area. You are not alone and there's nothing wrong with getting need help.
*Race - The Bible tells us we are all on a race and we want to finish well. We will one day see them again meanwhile let us finish well and honor their memory with doing so. Hebrew 12:1
Lastly ~
I would like to share a song that a Christian Rock Group - Jonah33 recorded. I bought the CD years ago. Finding it recently, I listen to it several times. I had shared before how music can be healing this was not different. I listened to the song below with a few tears. The singer points out in his lyrics many things we think ourselves. I believe is sharing about his father you could easily take it as anyone you're missing or are holding on to tightly to.
Grieving hurts most because we loved much ~
Need to Let Go
It comes in like a flood
And shoves off just the same
Never a warning
With no one to blame
And not even time can offer a remedy
Like a knife through my heart
A kiss to my face
Is you memory
Then I saw a face
And I swear it was you
And I miss you so much
Hey can you hear me?
I need you to know
That if it's all right with you
I just need to let go
'Cause time waits for no one
And life carries on
And I'll never forget you
I just need to let go
I just need to let go
And you'll never find mercy
In the cycle of life
You can't bend the rules
'Cause everyone dies
When my boy looks at me
Like I looked at you
I'll be king of the world
If he loves me half as much as I loved you
Then I saw a face
And I swear it was you
And I miss you so much
Hey can you hear me?
I need you to know
That if it's all right with you
I just need to let go
'Cause time waits for no one
And life carries on
And I'll never forget you
I just need to let go
I just need to let go
Please feel free to email with any questions or concerns you have. Lifting everyone up prayer and know God has plans for loving plans for you. VB
Book mentioned, Diary of a Weeping Widow from Mourning to Morning by Toni Singleton Adams ED.S
Years ago, when my husband and I lived in the northwest coast we made forever friends some I still keep in touch with. You never know the impact you have on the lives of others in this life. Much the same is music that touched your heart in ways of laugher, even tears, especially when hearing them again. Even cherished memories from photos. Recently I've been thinking a lot about those days. Our lives were changed through our experiences and growth in a relationship with God/Jesus. I know I have continued to change for the better, Jim would agree. What has me thinking - lol- I'm always thinking!
Maybe since at church, and it's always a blessing, seeing others get baptized - reminded me when Jim and I got baptized at the same time, it was June of 82 in the great Pacific on the Oregon coast. We were in a small fellowship, and after deciding to do this, we met out on the beach just before dusk. We were ready, our closest friends [Seaside family] which was the fellowship, and our two little ones were there. I was about two months pregnant; the water was cold though we didn't notice till we got back onto the dry sand. The anticipation we felt was exciting - I can't help but say the love and joy in our hearts was such a blessing to us both, we also sang a couple short songs of praise out of Psalms. This memory I have occasionally but was more recently triggered from watching others getting baptized with some who've just given their life to the Lord, others rededicating their life with baptism.
Here at church this past Sunday and in the Widows group, a few of us had been sharing about worship and music that impact(ed) our lives over the years, Keith Green was one mentioned and later after returning home I pulled up some of the songs. I can't leave out the notion that in preparing for our group I remember many things - some I share - it is all healing, even the tears. My focus continues in the Lord even when my memory stirs with past thoughts of what was, I thank a Heavenly Father for how He blessed me with Jim and our boys, with everyone we've met on our path and what He is continuing to do in my life.
Last night after heading to bed I fell to sleep fairly quick only to wake up around two not being able to fall back to sleep. I kept praying and crying to myself as in partly asleep but not, thinking, with this song going over and over. This continued until I got out of bed around five.
As each day passes by, I feel my love run dry
I get so weary, worn and tossed 'round in the storm
Well I'm blind to all His needs and I'm tired of planting seeds
I seem to have a wealth of so many thoughts about myself
I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus
I want to, I need to, be more like Him
Songs do impact you. This song is a desire to grow and continually be more like Jesus. John 3:30 He must increase; but I must decrease. ESV This is how I feel and believe in my heart. It is my desire to do so. And I believe this is why some songs bring me to tears, not just a happy memory of how things were when love was new and exciting, but a reminder God is causing growth working on things still needing to be sloughed off ever moving forward to where my race ends.
For those of us that have a relationship with the Lord, we are on a race Hebrews12:1, and we need to finish. We all impact those around us and I want to be a worthy runner.
Another trigger is at The River we have been studying about Heaven reading through Randy Alcorn's book and in scripture. This book has been eye opening to what the Bible has been saying on eternal life and I surely don't want anyone to miss out. What's your desire deep in your heart?
For many of us in the Widows group we would agree that life is short, and our husbands left to soon. My husband very much impacted my life, and he is missed - however - I know I will see him again. It does make me sad here but rejoicing he is healed and no longer living this life of pain, and God continues to bless my life. I understand the concerns that our group has with this world that's torn and hurting and the uncertainty of loved ones. But I don't forget God is working and my faith is in Him.
As I have been blessed by so many the Lord has connected me with, I pray I am able to be a blessing to others. It was interesting as I looked back at Keith Green's life, he died very young just 28 with his two children in a plane crash. His wife Melony was home with a small child and one on the way. She continued forward and also in Last Days Ministries - ministry they started - it certainly wasn't something easy. I also watched a clip I had never seen before and for those - if reading - Keith was 11 years old and signed a 5-year contract as the youngest rock 'n roll singer. He was also of Jewish heritage and raised in Christain Science [I didn't know]. A talented - gifted young man who sought the truth and found the Lord. He was very young, and God blessed many of us through him. His music is still being sung today. One song he wrote a song I hadn't remember hearing before [A letter to my parents - I want to see you there]. That is my desire for others, more so than the concerns of today with all we see. I want to see you there.
Enjoy ~ Really cute!
Last thought ~ The beauty of the Lord is - He never wastes any season in our lives. He always works all things in our lives for good if we allow Him to. Rebecca Greenwood 2010 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 ESV
Today should have been a Jim's 61st birthday. Happy Birthday Jim! I have been busy all day and just now sat down and a thought came to me, that I still find it hard to believe he is gone. Then I thought today was his birthday. Earlier this month I thought of celebrating what would have been but sometimes things change. So maybe later.
This has been an interesting week, not the best but not the worst.
I had been sharing with our Widow's group how God comes along side and helps us on our race. As in Hebrews 12:1 - we are on a race and we are surrounded by a cloud of witness to cheer us on, all those that have gone before us - including Jim.
I used a visual from YouTube of a runner Derek Redman as he ran in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He did not - though he was the favorite, win the gold that year; but suffered a serve injury to his hamstring. He still needed to finish the race; we need to finish the one we are on. Derek's father came to his aide pushing off security running to his son. God does the same for His children and we should allow Him to do so. He did not intend for us to run a race alone without the help and aide of the Holy Spirit.
Jim finished his race. I wished he’d been in cross country and not the short sprint! :)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrew 12:1-2 NIV
This is the clip I showed there are many to choice from including those showing the cheering crowd.
Happy Birthday Jim I am happy you are not in pain anymore and that you finished your race. It's nice to know there is such a great crowd of witness, hero's that you are among to cheer us on.
Now the time of the harvest is near . . . I woke this morning thinking of a harvest and the lyrics from a song Phil Keaggy used to sing. And, being I'm a huge Phil Keaggy fan from way back, I located the song and enjoyed every moment - in fact the whole Album. :)
Ah, Peaches ~
This little tree can truly put out a bunch!
They were small this year but oh so delicious!
I was pleased with the fruit we enjoyed this season and we're still getting some nertarines and grapes.
The outer skin was a bit tough but sweet and meaty on the inside. This has been the first year in many that we have netarines. :)
The Thompson grapes have been the biggest producers this year normally it has been the Flaming Reds. All of the fruit that had been produced were small this year. I don't believe the mild winter and draught conditions helped also the fruit itself had been cooking for the earlier heat that showed up. We still got plently and was able to share with the birds as every year.
We also were able to harvest several apricots earlier. I was happy to get them; for the past few years nadda one ~
The Apricots ~ Not as many as some harvested but enough to eat and use in a few yummies ~
The Bible talks of planting, sowing, fruit, harvesting, pruning, bearing fruit, reaping, care, growing, vines, roots, branches, producing - whatever term for a productive harvest. When you tend to fruit trees and other shrubs that produce fruit, you understand better how the analogy used makes perfect sense.
A lot of work goes into a harvest but God gives us the strength to do those things we might be able to do normally our own strength or ability. He also gives us rest while trusting Him in all we do for Him.
Jesus said - "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Luke 10:2-3 NIV
Jesus is saying this is what is required as well as, we ourselves are to bear good fruits as stated by Paul -
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:9-10 NLT
I think it would only helpful we produce good fruits in our lives to work the harvest ~
I could decide which clip to share of Phil Keaggy and the song "Rejoice" the full version or shorten so I'm sharing both.
BTW - you just might like to check out a book from my pastor. You can find them at The River or on Amazon.
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