MY FRIEND written by Donna (Ensign) Woods

My Friend is always beside me

To share in all I do and see.

Behind me to guard my back,

From Satan's plan of attack.

In front of me to lead the way

Lighting my path for each day.

He is under me---for strength to stand

For trials and joys He has planned

Up over...to release blessings rain

Showering me with mercy....soothing my pain.

In my heart... He lives within

An awesome Friend, I have in Him.

Under, Over, Beside, Behind....

In front of me, to ease my mind.

My Friend protects me under His wing...

Forever gives me a song to sing.

Daily refills my cup of hope

Renewing my strength to laugh and cope.

I feel His arms hug me tight.

For me....I know He'll fight.

He shares in my laughter and my tears,

Calming my doubts, and my fears.

My friend is always very near,

To whisper His truth in my ear.

Caressing my aching soul,

When trials of life take their tole.

When I stumble and fall

I hear Him gently call.

.....Or if I lose my way

....Close by me He will stay.

Long ago.....He went before me

....So my heart could see

.....His forever love....on Calvary.

Worship Spotlight 5 17 10

Babies, babies everywhere!! What joy these little innocents bring to our hearts, our spirits, putting smiles on the most stoic faces. Who can resist those tiny little fingers and toes, the soft pink skin and those gurgling noises that infants tend to make? They fill us with hope for what their lives will bring. They bring us back to a few carefree moments when all we want to do is see them smile or yawn or sleep and for a moment it brightens our day – lifts our spirits.

Psalm 42: 11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
God wants our hope to be in Him. He wants to be the source of our strength and our joy. Yet, we focus on our trials and troubles, and as the world presses in we allow it to squelch our joy. Then God sends us a friend who makes us smile. He paints the sky with a double rainbow for us to “ooh” and “ah” over. He sends a song on the radio that speaks to our sorrow. God, our heavenly Father, knows our situations intimately – and He sees the hope of what we CAN be – what good can come from our sometimes overwhelming circumstances.

2 Cor 4: 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

“Praise You in This Storm” -words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms



Psalm 52:8b—9: I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. 9 I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

See you Sunday!!!

Everyone Needs Hope by Theresa Zuber

For the past year or more we've heard a lot about "Hope." But still, there are so many who feel hopeless. Real hope cannot be found in any politician or plan. True hope can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is always there, He keeps His promises & He will supply everything you need.

I don't pretend that I have it all together or that my life is a bed of roses because I'm a Christian. I mess up. I fall short. I have disasters in my life, too. But covering over all my sins - all my failures - is Jesus blood, His grace and His forgiveness.

I have hope because I know God has a plan for me - and for you! I have hope because I know there's more to life than what the world offers.

It started with a baby in a manger but it didn't end with his death on the cross. My Savior defied death and rose from the grave. His vitory over death gives me hope that there is MORE.

I pray that this Christmas season you will accept the gift of salvation and hope that Jesus purchased for you with his life. He's longing for you to belong to those He calls His own. If you'd like to find out more about this hope we have, we'd love to help you find it!

Freedom to Hope by Tana LeMay

One of this week’s devotionals was centered on Galatians 5:1: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
What has God given me the freedom to do? He has given me the freedom to live in hope.
I’m not talking about an unrealistic hope that life will always be well and good. We live in a fallen world where pain and sorrow is a part of living. We’ll all experience it during parts of our lifetime. The hope I’m talking about is the hope that comes when we walk with Jesus; the faith of knowing he is in control. I can walk in the assurance of my future in God’s hands. And when I fall, which happens nearly every day, Jesus is there to help me up, to wipe the dirt away and to get my feet moving again. When the valley is deep and dark, he’s there beside me, holding my hand and encouraging me to keep walking.

I came across the following in a novel by Brock and Bodie Thoene, “The answer is that you must simply keep living. Embrace whatever God sends your way. Sorrow and joy. Trust that you are not here by accident. Every moment, every event in your life has a purpose for the welfare of eternity if you love God.”

13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13-14

His Eyes by Donna (Ensign) Woods

His eyes that watch over deep blue sea,
Also watch over you and me.

With perfect timing sees setting sun
Every moment, when day is done.

His eyes see cattle on a thousand hills
And even notices the daffodils !!

Watching over the eagle's nest
While He carries me...through trial and test.

His eyes survey mountain and lake
...And sees every step I take

Over sees labor of tiny ants,
The fruit of trees and wild plants.

His eyes see yesterday and tomorrow
Knowing full well the depth of my sorrow.

Sees captivating dance of the butterfly,
Yet knows every tear I cry

His eyes caress the sick and the poor,
Giving them hope, beyond closed door.

A guardful watch on the unborn child
And aware of every smile I ever smiled !

His eyes...always on the sparrow
While leading us on the straight and narrow.

Seeing the path of winding streams
...And into my heart of hopes and dreams.

His eyes that know and see
Always watching out ...for you and me !!

CHRISTMAS EVE - Donna (Ensign) Woods

On your way to a Christmas Eve celebration,
You stop by a lonely gas station.
Twinkling lights reflect on snow covered ground,
It's the only thing open for miles around.
You hurry inside...you're running late,
Don't want to make the guests all wait!
The attendant wipes a tear from her eye,
You can only guess what makes her cry...
On the back counter is a photograph,
Of two small children with eyes that laugh.
The reason she cries is now crystal clear,
She longs to be with them...but has to be here!
A single mom works late on Christmas Eve
...The gifts a few, that Santa will leave...
A gift from you could give her hope,
As she desperately struggles to cope.
Be prepared for a time like this...
A chance to witness, you don't want to miss.
Pretend your wallet is in the car,
Let the love of Christ be a shining star.
A little cash in a Christmas card...
It's really not that hard.
Don't sign your name...
Just give the Lord all glory and fame.
Hand it to her... and walk away
Secretly bless her on this wondrous day.
As she reads the words,"I'm praying for you"
"God bless you and your children too"
Your car's long gone, as she cried...
Holding the "hope" you tucked inside.

This is just a little story...but it is also meant to be a reality check for all of us, as we enter into the holiday season. This Christmas is going to be tough for a great many people all over this country.

Children of single parents often suffer the most...as the parent has to choose between spending precious time with their children... or feeding them and keeping the heat on.....
....I remember.....

I pray we will all keep our eyes and ears open....as well as
our hearts, as the Holy Spirit places people and
situations in our paths.

Where I Am From - by Donna (Ensign) Woods

(Modeled after a poem by Georgia Ella Lyons)

I am from 40th and plum...
40 miles from No-where and Plum out in the sticks
...as my Daddy used to say...
Strasburg, Illinois

I am from the screen door slamming
and cookies baking.
I am from simple times, hard work and good neighbors.
Noodles drying on the kitchen table,
Dinner rolls, apple pies and macaroni and cheese.

I'm from huge gardens, canning rings,
and the sound a mason jars sealing.
I am from 13 County fairs,
Perfect vegetables on plates of 5,
Display baskets, crepe paper and parsley.

I am from Bob and Wanda
Number 4 of 5.
Long days, short nights and cold winters
I am from the oil burner...
Standing close...warming one side at a time.
I am from everything olive green.

I am from the wringer washer on the back porch
and clothes hung neatly on the line.
I am from the grape arbor and
The sweet smell of spearmint.
I am from 4-H and Home Ec,
Learn it all...Do it all !!

I am from Bogie, Pepper, Smitty
and my little Tony dog.
I am from mud between my toes and
the dirt road hill.... with the old iron bridge,
waiting at the bottom, just for me.
I am from trails through the timber
and the mushroom patch.
Blackberries and chigger bites.

I am from the chicken house,
Feathers, butchering and frying.
I am from tricycles and mud puddles
lightning bugs and home made dresses
...polyester double knit.

I am from troll dolls and Barbie dolls
and the Box Elder tree...
Hot Wheels cars and a road of pretend
around the trunk.
I am from art class and Mrs. Ray
Sketching, painting and the pottery wheel.
I am from the writing desk
and the fine point pen.

I am from the angel in the Christmas pagent
White sheet gown and wings of tin foil and cardboard.
I am from Duck-Duck Goose and
Red Rover Red Rover.
I am from the Carom board and Monopoly
and the card table tent.

I am from monsters in the attic and under the bed...
Creaky stairs and a vivid imagination!!
I am from Nancy Drew mysteries
and Gilligan's Island
I am from Precious and Few, Time in a Bottle,
and Love Story.
Lost in the 70's, bell bottoms and
the Vietnam war...

I am from basketball games and Comet Power.
Listening with tears in my eyes as
the National Anthem played.
I am from green and white pom- poms
and School Song...
A shiny gym floor and popcorn.

I am from the cow pasture and the metal gate
...fishing June bugs out of the water tank...
I am from the majestic old acorn tree
that always stood watch over me.

I am from hope and promise
yesterday, today and tomorrow,
...I am from God's plan...

I Believe by Donna (Ensign) Woods

I believe in the moon and the stars, of the Heavenly night,
Even when they are hidden from my sight.
And in the hope of a bright new tomorrow,
Even if today is filled with sorrow.
I believe in miraculous growth and healing,
Even when tired and hurting is what I'm feeling.
I know there are angels hovering near-by
Even though I can't see them, as I cry
I believe in the rainbow promise, arching in the sky,
And in a Heavenly home when I die.
I believe Christ was born through a virgin birth,
Even though He no longer walks upon this Earth.
And in God's awesome mercy and grace,
As He sent His Son to die....in my place.
I believe He died on a cross to save you and me,
I didn't have to see Him hanging on the tree.
I know I've been forgiven for each and every sin,
As I walk each day, keeping my eyes on Him.
I believe He rose from the dead, on the third day,
To give us hope, and show us the way.
He now sits, in Heaven, at God's right hand,
And daily prepares me for what He has planned.
I believe, one day He'll return, in radiant glory,
For the final chapter, of this Earthly story.
I know He will judge our lives one day,
That's why I ask for guidance, each time I pray.
I believe, my sinful-self was left in a watery grave,
I was given new life, as He lovingly forgave.
And I will one day walk the streets of gold,
With His nail-scarred hand, to hold.
I believe He answers each and every prayer of mine,
Perfectly...in His way, and His time.
He is in awesome control, I do believe,
Wheather I dance with joy, or sadly grieve.
He is with me on the mountain tops of blessed cheer,
And in the dark, cold valley of each painful tear.
I believe we each have a purpose, that's why we're here
So, I eagerly listen, when I feel Him near.
I know in my heart, I truly do,
He has a very special plan, for you too.
I believe every promise that Jesus made
Rejoicing with the angels that my debt is paid.
Celebrating His wonderous, eternal love,
As He touches my life every day from above.

.....But, do you believe, in eternity through Him ???
Or have you shut Heaven's door, and allowed Satan in ?????

Possibilities by Theresa Zuber

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

What does God have in store for ME? The possibilities are endless. Whatever I can imagine, pales in comparison to the reality and importance of God’s plan. Do I trust that He knows me better than I know myself? Do I believe that He is molding me into something precious?
Isaiah 64:8 says “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Am I willing to step outside my comfort zone to follow his leading? Phil 4:13 assures us that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” And Eph 2:10- “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

If I don’t follow God’s leading I’ll miss out because it says in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

What plan has God put in front of you that you are resisting? Ask Him to show you where He wants you to go next. Step out in faith – the possibilities are endless!

Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."