Daughter Friend Wife Mom

I’m reaching out to set up speaking opportunities for this coming fall season.

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Some of us who grew up in church might have been taught that to have faith, you can never have any doubts. Doubt can be a good thing if it drives us to the truth of who God is. Are you wrestling with doubt today? Here are some tips for our doubts:
1. Don't do life alone. Navigating tough questions isn't something we should do alone. The right friends can turn seasons of doubt into a growing faith.
2. Turn your questions into confessions. Don't let your doubts keep you from praying. Ask God your hard questions and let Him know where you're at and what you're struggling with.
3. Serve through your questions. Scripture is full of people praised for their faith who had questions but still followed God anyway. Real faith is a life lived in surrender to God, not intellectual certainty.

I am grateful for many things this morning. Primarily, among those, is my husband. His presence in my life is a rare and precious gift that makes me aware of God’s grace and unconditional love. It is humbling for me to realize that He bothers to demonstrate His genuine joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, and gentleness through life’s daily experiences. I recognize these gifts of the Spirit and that’s how I know the source from where my gift of a life with Mike originated.

“If you want to change the world, go home and change your family.” Mother Theresa

“I would have pulled Joseph out. Out of that pit. Out of that prison. Out of that pain. And I would have cheated nations out of the one God would use to deliver them from famine.

“I would have pulled David out. Out of Saul’s spear-throwing presence. Out of the caves he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. And I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king.

“I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her only family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power-hungry foe. And I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives.

“And I would have pulled Jesus off. Off of the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. And I would have cheated the entire world out of a Savior. Out of salvation. Out of an eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain.

“And oh friend. I want to pull you out. I want to change your path. I want to stop your pain. But right now I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows the good this pain will produce. He knows the beauty this hardship will grow. He’s watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. And He’s promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.

“So instead of trying to pull you out, I’m lifting you up. I’m kneeling before the Father and I’m asking Him to give you strength. To give you hope. I’m asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I'm asking Him to help you stay prayerful and discerning. I'm asking Him how I can best love you and be a help to you. And I’m believing He’s going to use your life in powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for this road you’ve been on.”

- Written by Kimberly Henderson of Prov. 31 Ministries

What do your children do when they are frightened? Who do they listen to when you're not there? These are the questions and concerns of this mom and Nana. That's why I wrote and gave each one of them a copy of "The Nativity People a family book." They read it individually and when I'm with them, we read it together. I want them to receive the greatest gift ever given to mankind; that gift is Jesus. I can't give them a better gift.

We're preparing to celebrate the upcoming birthday of Jesus. He said these things, repeatedly, "Don't be afraid," "Learn of me," "Come," and "Bring the little children unto me."

Open the doors for your children and grands to gain the strength and courage they need to deal with dark times. Introduce the knowledge of Jesus to your family. Read and experience it together by clicking on the link to get your copy and a gift for them. It's available through the link here, on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

RhondaChadwell.com

Oh my goodness! I just turned the TV on to check the weather conditions. While I was searching for the network, I saw and heard celebrities in conversation on “The View.”

You can say I’m a camel with my head in the sand all you want, but do people really watch, listen to, and believe that propaganda?

I’m reminded of that saying, “be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear!”

Why all the fuss over Easter?

It's for you!

https://www.facebook.com/saved/?list_id=6252552398089387&referrer=SAVE_DASHBOARD_NAVIGATION_PANEL

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Easter is Sunday, April 9th

My springtime magnolia wreath may or may not catch your eye as you enter the driveway. That’s okay. It’s not exactly like Martha’s, but I’m pleased with it. It’s a special reminder that life goes on.

The circle-of-life grapevine wreath has been with me for 25 years. It was delivered by the local business of DeRosear’s Flowers and Gifts, hand-picked and designed by one who worked there at the time and ordered and paid for by close family friends. I wonder if Marjorie & Harold specified what they wanted it to look like when they ordered it for the funeral or if they knew of the potential for its longevity. It was originally beautifully crafted with magnificent magnolias and bright red accents.

I kept the wreath in its original state and handled it with care for the longest time. Like all things, it started to show its age, so I removed the attached parts and replaced them with temporary new ones. Most holidays, I repeatedly redo the twisted grapevine wreath with articles that signify the upcoming holiday season. While I’m putting it together, I often wonder if Daddy would like the new design. I’m always aware that he was colorblind, and I mentally note that he wouldn’t notice it at all unless it contained something red.

Regardless of how eye-catching and bright or dull and bland it may be, it’s a special reminder of every person involved in its original creation as well as the current day onlookers and benefactors. Each one -- significant, and each one -- of great value.

Every time I handle that grapevine wreath, memories of Daddy flood my soul. I had almost 43 years to build those memories with him. Oftentimes I recall something that still speaks into my life when I remember words that only he would say.

Today marks 25 years since Daddy left this world. At the time of his passing, my world halted. Each season since then has been an interesting period of growth, much like the transitioning circle of life grapevine wreath. I’m so grateful for the time I had to share in Daddy’s life and the gift of seeing likenesses of him in his siblings, my brother, my children and my nieces. I’m confident that we’ll see glimpses of him in the lives of the next generation as well.

Has our Christian calendar been lost on you? Is there significance in the days we mark as "Ash Wednesday," "Palm Sunday," "Passover," "Good Friday," and/or "Resurrection Sunday" (commonly known as Easter)? Maybe the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday means nothing other than the days following Mardi Gras that ends with "Fat Tuesday." After all, only Catholics practice what we call "Lent," right? Maybe not.

Lent is a liturgical season, rooted in Roman Catholicism which avails itself as a marked season on the calendar to anyone who may be hearing an inner whisper that it's time (and it's possible) to make changes in his/her life. Take the step toward making those changes, during this season (toward health, restoring relationships, mending finances, making a career change, whatever the unction may be for you). There are no hard rules to follow in order to start your journey. This is not about religious order or traditions. It's about connecting with God; creator of the Universe. Trust the whisper. Surrender to the calling and enter His presence. One minute, one hour, one day at a time. That's what Jesus did, and He was able to change the world. There's nothing that compares to the peace He provides.

"Lent, the period of prayer and fasting in preparation for Easter, is 40 days long, but there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, and Easter. So how are the 40 days of Lent calculated?

A Little History
The answer takes us back to the earliest days of the Church. Christ's original disciples, who were Jewish, grew up with the idea that the Sabbath—the day of worship and of rest—was Saturday, the seventh day of the week since the account of creation in Genesis says that God rested on the seventh day.

Christ rose from the dead, however, on Sunday, the first day of the week, and the early Christians, starting with the apostles (those original disciples), saw Christ's Resurrection as a new creation, and so they transferred the day of rest and worship from Saturday to Sunday.

Sunday: The Celebration of the Resurrection
Since all Sundays—and not simply Easter Sunday—were days to celebrate Christ's Resurrection, Christians were forbidden to fast and do other forms of penance on those days. Therefore, when the Church expanded the period of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter from a few days to 40 days (to mirror Christ's fasting in the desert, before He began His public ministry), Sundays could not be included in the count.

40 Days of Fasting
Thus, in order for Lent to include 40 days on which fasting could occur, it had to be expanded to six full weeks (with six days of fasting in each week) plus four extra days—Ash Wednesday and the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday that follow it. Six times six is thirty-six, plus four equals forty. And that's how we arrive at the 40 days of Lent!"

Ref:
ThoughtCo. "How Are the 40 Days of Lent Calculated?" Learn Religions, Aug. 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/how-the-days-of-lent-calculated-542421.

It's the perfect time of year to read and share "The Nativity People a family book," packed with beautiful color illustrations and interesting historical information. It's the real Christmas gift item for that special person or family. You can find it on-line wherever books are sold (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.), or directly through my website Rhonda Chadwell.com. Reviews appreciated.

This is for someone who is facing a tough spiritual battle right now. When the barriers seem to be too strong to blast through - don’t give up! Keep on believing and keep on praying. Your prayers may be the only thread of hope.

I discovered help with fighting those tough battles. A few years ago I got the book, devoured it, followed up by getting the prayer journal and using it. Drawing the circles targets the obstacle(s). I hope you find it beneficial. If you need a partner, just ask.

Good day friends. As I was concerned this morning with all the things I need to do today because time is closing in on the list of things to do before Christmas, I received a special gift that calmed my soul. I want to share it with all of you as friends (women and men), daughters, wives, and moms.

After my quiet time, I took a peek at social media to see if my kids had posted anything. Often, I get a glimpse into their day and activity that connects me to their world. Today did not disappoint and in fact, I got a visual that warmed this Nana's heart: My youngest grandson was starting his day with virtual school in front of his computer accompanied by a cup of hot tea. Picture it . . . an eight-year-old boy, safely sitting at the kitchen bar, completely at ease looking into the screen, fully dressed in comfortable clean apparel, appearing healthy and focused. What more could I ask for?

Danny Gokey's song, Love God and Love People, expresses it all so well:

LYRICS
I've been running in circles
Jumping the hurdles
Getting caught in that rush of doing so much
I'm feeling kinda worn out

All this checking the boxes
Trying to be flawless
Has me spinning my head, catching my breath
Too afraid to slow down

I tell myself to keep this up
That God wants more than just my love
But I've been complicating things
It's just like me to overthink

Gotta keep it real simple, keep it real simple
Bring everything right back to ground zero
'Cause it all comes down to this
Love God and love people (People)
We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
But if we want to find a way to change it
It all comes down to this
Love God and love people

Oh, this is freedom (This is freedom)
The keys to the Kingdom (Hey-ey)
Knowing life will be found when love can be loud
'Cause love is what it's all about

I tell myself to keep this up
That all God wants is just my love
No more complicating things
No more need to overthink

Gotta keep it real simple, keep it real simple
Bring everything right back to ground zero
'Cause it all comes down to this
Love God and love people (People)
We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
But if we want to find a way to change it
It all comes down to this
Love God and love people

Love is patient, love is kind
Rescues hearts and changes lives
Love is all we need to make things right
Gotta keep it real simple, oh
It's really so simple, oh-ooh-oh-oh-oh-ohh

Gotta keep it real simple, keep it real simple
Bring everything right back to ground zero
'Cause it all comes down to this
Love God and love people (People)
We're living in a world that keeps breakin' (Oh yeah)
But if we want to find a way to change it (Find a way, yeah)
It all comes down to this (Everything comes down to this)
Love God and love people (Whoa)

Keep on loving, keep on loving
Love God and love people
So keep on loving, keep on loving
It's all about love
It's how we change the world
Love God and love people
Songwriters: Danny Gokey, Benjamin Glover, Colby Wedgeworth
For non-commercial use only.
Data From: Musixmatch

Please take note of all the blessings that are present in your day. Today is a gift.

Feel free to share

Danny Gokey - Love God, Love People Danny Gokey - Love God, Love People

I feel like I’ve been up to my eyeballs in Christmas cards - literally. It’s an annual task but I like to think of it as the first part of this special season. There are many ways to send greetings these days and the old fashioned snail mail remains my choice even though it’s a lot of work.

Creating the list is the daunting part when you have a business because it takes combined effort. Selecting the card is the easiest part because I want to convey a specific message that embraces the essence of Christ. After all, it is the mystery of God's infinite love through His gift to the world that we celebrate and share in the miraculous virgin birth of His son.

Each envelope is addressed by hand, acknowledging the person or account holder. Each card is folded and pressed by hand before it is stuffed into the envelope that is then sealed and stamped with postage before going into the completed box.

During the process, I can’t help but consider how much handling and personal attention each card receives before it reaches the addressee. I also wonder about the recipient(s); how many hands will touch, eyes will see, minds will interpret, and hearts receive the true meaning?

The finale is the prayer that covers each one before it goes to the post office. The prayer also includes and covers each customer that may have been a one-time client with a history of service remaining in the file cabinet even though they’re not getting a card. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve and care for them as our customers, friends, and family. We agree in the petition for good health, safety, prosperity, joy, and softened hearts to know and receive the peace of Christ for each person and individual home. This year, in particular, may God grant them His peace. Amen

Hello friend. I’m busy doing something for someone (who is not family), that I’ve never done before. I am thankful to have the freedom to do it as well as the time and health status to accommodate the task at hand.

In these crazy times, I’d like to encourage you to get out and do something you’ve never done before to help someone else. Think about it. Something as easy as picking up the mail for a neighbor or taking a cookie or piece of fruit to the kid next door with his/her name written on the sandwich/snack bag. Just something. It might make someone’s day to know you thought about them.

I’m mindful of the song that goes “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

While you’re at it, tell God you love Him, and praise Him for the blessing of freedom to do it.

“Praise God from who all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above all heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen”

From my Faith to Faith Daily Devotional today:

“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12, The Amplified Bible

We're to live in hope. We're to rejoice. So, when Satan comes to steal your victory and tell you that God is not going to help you this time, you just think on the Word of God and start rejoicing. Rejoice that you're in Him. Rejoice that heaven is your home. Rejoice that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Rejoice. Brag on God today. The devil can't stand it!

"Be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation...." Tribulation means "being under pressure." When pressure comes, don't cave in. Don't faint. Instead, go to the throne of grace. Go boldly in the Name of Jesus and get the help you need.

Remember this: When things get hard isn't when you let go of the Word. That's when you double up on it. That's when you are "constant in prayer" so that you are immovable.

Rejoice. Be patient under pressure. Be constant in prayer. The devil won't be able to steal one thing from you!

Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:1-5”

Gloria Copland
© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications

Voting - it’s my voice in civic affairs. I am responsible for knowing what the candidates stand for before I mark a ballot. Otherwise, I could be a participant in a corrupt government and ultimately accountable for long term effects.

I voted early yesterday for the Escambia County Primary Election. The polling station was very clean, appropriately manned, and very well organized.

If you are physically able, please get out and vote in person.

https://escambiavotes.gov/

EscambiaVotes.gov

Where to start?

God bless America!
It is an honor and privilege to be a citizen of the United States. I will fight to maintain the freedoms that so many Americans believed were worth defending with their lives. My Dad served in the USAF during the Korean War. My parents were true patriots. I was taught to respect our flag, the national anthem, the constitution, and government officials. I pass that legacy to my children and pray God’s continued protection for us (Psalm 91).

Are you familiar with the way a business teaches core values to employees? Do we do that at home? Without an established system of rules, there is only an "understood" code of ethics. I remember when the Biblical principles taught at home were also reinforced at school. We learned about R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Consider why the book of Proverbs is important. It gives prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young, and makes wise men wiser. It's a practical book dealing with the art of living and bases wisdom solidly on revering the Lord.

Prologue:
- The wise words from a group of wise men, including Solomon son of David, king of Israel, teach wisdom and self-control. They give understanding.
- They will teach you how to be wise and self-controlled. They will teach you what is honest and fair and right.
- They give the ability to think to those with little knowledge. They give knowledge and good sense to the young.
- Wise people should also listen to them and learn even more. Even they can find good advise in these words.
- Then they will be able to understand wise words and stories. They will understand the words of wise men and their riddles.
- Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord. But foolish people hate wisdom and discipline.

About Solomon's Wisdom:
"God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man... And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hysop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom." 1 Kings 4:29-34

The book of Proverbs contains 31 chapters. If you don't have a regular devotional or if you have a difficult time maintaining Bible reading, this book is designed for you. Whatever day of the month it might be... read that chapter of Proverbs (i.e., if today is the 16th day of the month, read the 16th chapter of Proverbs). Eventually, without memorizing scripture, your mind will recall bits and pieces of knowledge/wisdom when you need it most. Select desired memory verses for children.

Keep a Bible handy in places you regularly sit for 5 minutes (on the porch/deck, in the bathroom, etc), or download the Bible Gateway app on your phone so you can readily access multiple versions of the Bible to look up any scripture whenever you have time.

Moral Benefits of Wisdom:
"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, Then you will understand what is right and just and fair -- every good path." Proverbs 2:1-2, 9

I believe in the power of prayer and I trust God. I can say that boldly because God has been faithful in caring for me, providing for me, protecting and delivering myself and my family from harmful situations. I pray a lot. I pray about many things that are on my heart and for the needs of others.

Several years ago, I discovered I had been praying amiss regarding some things. God was nudging me to pray about certain things and in a particular manner. While we have concerns that we discuss with God or petitions on behalf of others, there are times he needs us to take action and speak his words [life] into a situation. Without realizing it, God was leading me into intercessory prayer. I didn’t actively pursue the calling but through my daily devotions and communing with God, my prayer life streamed into different waters. This might not apply to you. God doesn’t call everyone into intercessory prayer. I was reluctant to believe he chose me but here I am.

I’ve learned to pray for all people; not only my family, friends, community, world peace, and the peace of Israel, but for enemies as well (that was hard until I learned to do it according to God’s word). I’ve also learned to pray for government officials who have been placed in authority, whether I personally agreed with them or not. I’ve had to do some repentance before moving forward with that one. Did you know that God appoints Kings? For citizens in the USA, that means that God appoints our President. Like or not, it’s true. According to Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” And in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV), “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Be aware that this is not a political post and I am not soliciting opinions or statements. If you disagree with this content, please consider opening your heart and mind to what God may be saying to you as you read beyond this point.

Before the Presidential election in 2016, I learned that our prayers are most effective when we actually pray according to God’s word by using his words, specifically. Prayer changes us; our attitudes, hearts, and actions so he can work through us. We can expect God’s word to work God’s will.

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

So, when I felt burdened by the occurrences during that upcoming election in 2016, I searched God’s word for similar situations and actually used Bible versus to form my prayers in seeking God’s direction. It delivered peace to my spirit and comfort for my soul (mind, will, and emotions). I knew what to do. Since that time, I’ve been claiming my authority, as citizen of the USA, and exercising my rights as daughter of the King when I pray for our POTUS, VP, the state, county, and city officials where we own property and pay taxes.

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)

Right now, we face great challenges in the USA. I believe it is the responsibility of the church to claim and defend our rights as citizens. We have a spiritual war to fight. It is Satan who is working to steal our freedoms. As much as we would like to oppose and name individuals for current events, it is not the individual who is evil. While I am not yet able to trust myself to love everybody unconditionally as God loves, I do trust God and his faithfulness to fulfill the promises in his word. But it is up to us to do the work. That’s why I pray often, do what I can in my little world physically, and cast my cares on Jesus.

I’ve found chapters and verses in the Psalms to pray over my family and other situations. In particular, I’ve found many of King David’s prayers to be very appropriate when praying for President Trump and other government leaders in position of authority who are fighting spiritual battles. Psalm 35 is lifted here for President Trump, in my own voice.

Dear Father in heaven, I humbly come before you in praise of your goodness and mercy. Your love endures forever. Thank you for what Jesus did for us on the cross so we might receive forgiveness. As a nation, we have sinned against you and have grown cold as we strayed away from your righteousness. We repent of it now, oh Lord! Thank you for healing this land.
In the name of Jesus, because you appointed Donald J. Trump as President to lead the United States of America as Warrior for such a time as this, contend, O Lord, with those who contend with President Trump; fight against those who fight against him. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to his aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue him. Speak to his soul Lord that he might know you are his salvation. May those who seek his life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot his ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. Since they hid their net for him without cause and without cause dug a pit for him, may ruin overtake them by surprise – may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then we will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation.
Who is like you, O Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them. President Trump works tirelessly without pay, yet ruthless witnesses come forward and question him. They repay him evil for good and leave his soul forlorn. When he stumbles, they gather in glee; attackers gather against him when he is unaware. They slander him without ceasing. Like the ungodly they maliciously mock, they gnash their teeth at him. O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue President Trump from their ravages, his precious life from these lions. Let not those gloat over him who are his enemies without cause; let not those who hate him without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They gape at him and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.” O Lord, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from him, O Lord. Awake, and rise to his defense! Contend for him, my God and Lord. Vindicate him in your righteousness, O Lord my God; do not let them gloat over him. Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.”
May all who gloat over President Trump’s distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over him be clothed with shame and disgrace. May those who delight in his vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.” Amen.