Sharing my Personal Thoughts

October 20, 2026

Hi everyone. I am not sure how many are actually reading my weekly blog but one thing that I have learned is writing it each week has not been successful. So, I asked the board of Declaration Church if I could start sharing on a daily basis. For me to make something a habit or a routine I need to do it daily. So, today's message is some background on where I will be pulling my thoughts. I accepted the Lord as my personal Savior in September 1974. I have been walking with Him since that time and have learned a lot. The most dominant thing I have learned is the more I study the bible, hear messages on Sunday's, read devotion books etc. the less I feel I know. You'd think by this time I would know it all. There is a lot I have learned and cherished in my heart but the most dominant thing is the message I got when I accepted Jesus. The message was "I will never leave you." And it is true. I have gone through good times and bad but this message is my go to every day. Jesus is with me each and every day. All 24 hours. So, I do hope that my message in this new blog will be something that will bless you.

October 21, 2026

Good afternoon, all. During my "designated" time with Jesus today I prayed for many and during my prayer time I remembered one of my most often go to set of verses. James 1: 2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, (and sisters), whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." How many times has someone truly persevered till they were mature and complete, not lacking anything. I think I can say that one of my successful times of perseverance is loving my furry friends. They may make me mad sometimes, but I will never give up on them. I know that Jesus will never give up on me. He demonstrates the ideal complete perseverance. Trust Him in all things. May your day be filled with not only the knowledge that Jesus loves you but the actual experiencing of His love. Check back in with you tomorrow.

October 22, 2026

Today's time with Jesus was late in the day so my update is the next morning. Thursday's time included a reading from a very special book called Love Letters from God. The reading was about protection. This is the second one I have read on this topic, and todays had a different bent. Today's reading was on protecting ourselves from false love. God's love is pure. It is true and in the bible verses suggested to read the most special for me are: 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 8. It is a message that I learned over 50 years ago via a song that was written with theses verses in mind. Verse 4 might remind some people of the song: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." The first sentence of verse 8 "Love never fails" was what the reading suggested to read. What an awesome was to start a verse. God's love "NEVER FAILS." I have learned that human love fails and sometimes has some very negative requirements. God has the wonderful capacity to love us unconditionally. I feel that love often. I hope that you would be able to feel God's love daily.

October 23, 2026

Morning all. My designated time with Jesus has been earlier than normal for me but that is one of the awesome things about Jesus. He just wants to hear from us. He wants to share His word with us. I find myself talking to Jesus throughout the day which is why I am describing my time that I am sharing my "designated time." In the past 50+ years I have learned that many people have suggestions of when to spend time with Jesus. Well for me I have yet to have the time be at the same time every day. I just make sure I do it every day. Today's time was spent in prayer for family, friends and upcoming events as well as looking at a special verse. Today I looked again in the book of Daniel: 12:3 "The wise leaders will shine with all the brightness of the sky. And those who have taught many people to do what is right will shine like the stars forever." As I read this today, I have believed for a long time that this not only applies to pastors and teachers but every person who has ever talked with someone about doing the right thing. I especially think of parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings and friends. I believe you are all included into this verse as people who will shine like the stars forever. I prayed for everyone who has helped me along my path with Jesus. They are my shining stars. May God show you the shinning stars that have helped you along your path.

October 24, 2026

Morning all. My designated time with Jesus was spent in praise and worship and listening. I love the option to praise Jesus with music via my CD's. As I sing along there are times that I also have to do some moving. My furry friend looks at me when I am doing this with the look that says "what are you doing now?" I love that God likes us dancing. In Psalm 149 it even starts with: Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints." It continues to encourage dancing, making music, playing the tambourine and harp. He delights in our praise.

I could do this all day long. As I write this, I am still listening to one of my most favorite CDs. May your day be filled with praise and thanksgiving.

October 25, 2026 - went to church for my designated time with Jesus.

October 26, 2026

Well, I can tell it is going to take some time before I get the daily blog updated. At least I'm only a day late. On the 26th I prayed and decided I would like to do a deep study of the book of James. So, the first step is to begin reading the book of James every day. Then each day I will begin to look at the messages that pop out and share them with you. I have already shared that the first part of James is very supportive for me, so I am already ahead of that message. Will share more tomorrow (today).

October 27, 2026

So, I didn't quite get through the whole book of James yesterday so continued today. I started in chapter 3, and the first two verses made me laugh. I used to say I am never going to be a teacher because I don't want to be held more accountable. Then the end of verse 2 states that someone who is perfect is able to keep his whole body in check. (Another reason not to be a teacher. 😊) Well, I find myself having great difficulty keeping my body in check but that doesn't mean Jesus can't use me as a teacher. It is not easy to try to start new things at this age. But I refuse to give up. I know I will not be perfect. Because I, we all, have a promise that we will be like Jesus when He appears, and we see him face to face. (1 John 3:2). So, keep on pushing forward. WE have hope in Jesus and to hang onto that hope is why we look so different to the world.

October 28, 2026

Once again later than planned but my designated time on the 28th was prayer. Throughout the day I spent multiple times just stopping and praying for family, friends, friends' family, my community and just spending time in quiet with Jesus. Nothing significant except for a very special day of peace and refreshment.

October 29, 2026

Today's designated time was once again reading through the book of James. I continue to be amazed at all the encouragements and directions that are given in this book. As I think of the many years that I have been a Christian I do not think anyone has ever taught on all the truths in James in a progressive series of teachings. I wonder if it is because it could take a long time to address them all. I was taught a technique to truly study a scripture verse or section of verses and am praying if this is something God would want me to do. Just sit down and really dig deep into each of the messages that I perceived. I will let you know what I end up doing. If I do this it will be separate from my designated time with Jesus. I look forward to potentially really digging deep into James. I have been listening to my CD's again today and boy am I having a hard time getting myself motivated to do "normal" task. I just want to sit and sing and listen. I often wonder if others have a hard time setting aside time so they can - get the dishes done, do the laundry, vacuum the carpet, do laundry etc. They all need to be done. I find them much more enjoyable to do while listening to my music and having praise thoughts be with me during the completion of the task. Hope this is something that was fun to read. I'll be back tomorrow.