Two days ago, I had my share of testing and trials. What to do? My clothes dryer went on the blink, then my blood rise up, another, something I was waiting for did not come, in fact I am still waiting for it. Sometimes life gets like that, but the most important thing is , how do I/we deal with these setbacks?

Job of old when he had his testings and trials, his wife argued, “Why do you continue to hold on to God, just curse Him and die already”. Wow! Our wedding vows is to stand by your man no matter the circumstances. We never heart from her again. I should not be too hard on her though. When I saw my own husband suffering from cancer, and his life fading away, it was hard to see, hard to hear his groans from the pain. I had to dig deep in my faith and be nourished and sustained by the Almighty and Everlasting Caring Father.

Have you been there, with an illness, a wayward child, or very sick parents, loss of a job, the devastation of a divorce or something else, It hurts, it can stress you out, or put you in depression. Mrs Job, had seen enough of her once vibrant husband and children, thriving and now, nothing is left, all was gone or so it seems. God does NOT have to give us a blue print of His plans or what He is doing. He said TRUST Me for I know the plans I have for you from before the foundation of the world. Yes, waiting for clearance can be tough and our patience wears out. But we can say like Job of old, “Blessed is the Lord, for we came into this world with nothing, and we sure will not take anything out”.

God gave me Isaiah 26:3-4 as a comfort and rest from stress- I am still enjoying His peace as I wait to get a new Dryer and hook it up. My friend Yvonne called me with her trails and shared Philippians 4: 6. “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer with supplication and thanksgiving, let my request be made to God !”. The scriptures are comforting and the Holy Spirit guide us to the very verse or chapter He wants us to read and meditate on for the nourishment of our souls.

Today, if you are anxious about your trials call on Jesus, for He told us to and give thanks even before He answers. He never lies, He never forsake, He always hear your prayer about your needs and in His time He will answer you, so stop tripping, stressed or get angry with our Lord, He is working even when we cannot see right now. When you cannot see His hands trust His heart, for He is in love with you dear friend.

Let us know if these blogs has been a blessing or comfort to you at charmingandy1@gmail.com.

Elijah was a great man of God. Dedicated to serve to the end of life. In the Book of first Kings , chapter 19 we have a story of defeat and fright by this wonderful servant of God. However, after killing many of Queen Jezebel’s false prophets, Elijah was weary and tired. So would you if you had to face the enemy of such magnitude.

Elijah ran to hiding after he got the bad message from the Queen that he would be dead by day’s end. He ran, for his life not remembering that the God who helped him to kill all these false prophets is still the God who never lost a battle over His enemies. However, when one is spent, tired, feels defeated and afraid, anything negative is always in the mind. How is it with you today? What is causing your defeat or making you afraid? For me it’s always finances especially when I see each month bills to be paid and not enough funds to clear them. I feel then quite defeated! What do I do then? Call on the God who is always on time and is a Provider for His children. You should too.

God the Merciful One came to feed and refresh His servant Elijah. Cake, water and sleep was the remedy this for fearful and defeated Man of God! God knows our frame how weak and frightened we are and is always ready to rescue us. He wants us to trust and never be afraid. God is Jehovah Sabaoth (Warrior King) who fights even when we cannot see or even appreciate the many scrapes He deliver us from. Elijah was fed, watered, rested, and gained full strength to continue the wonderful work for the Lord. Have you been over exerted to the loss of your strength, power, focus and commitment? Call on the Lord for your restoration. The devil is a thief and liar who tries to lead us off course with various types of Jezebell acts. Don’t allow him to cast you under the bus, call on others to pray for you that your faith remains pure and true. You brother, you sister are never alone, Jesus the Christ is always with you even to death. ( Hebrews 13: 5).

Today, walk true with your God, for the enemy will NOT over power you unless you let him. Repent, and seek your Lord for your restoration and grace in your times of needs. Rejoice and be glad as you serve Him, keep believing for victory.

Is this really true? So many of our leaders in politics have been liars, crocked and cannot be trusted. If we cannot trust them , tell me how we must trust our children and families? We cannot have this wickedness going on and expect to lead the world. CLEAN up your acts people.

Our Nation is being ruled by obnoxious , dishonest, unruly ignorant men and women. What are we saying to the world or to the next generation? Let us fall back on old principles, honesty, joyful, healthy and caring for all people. We began back in time with godly principles and trust it is even on our money- but now it’s a laugh. We do NOT trust in God, we are trusting in lies, liberal views and if it feels good just do it! What a change what a crocked nation we have become.

Change our ways, and get back to prayer in your homes, in our schools and in our land. We are NOT a christian nation anymore, Satan is ruling the hearts of men and even the young ones are filled with violence, hate, and un trustworthy. God help us if we are going to thrive and be an example for truth and godliness with morality and caring for each other.

I know some of you have made your resolutions and some have broken them already. Don’t beat yourself up, just get back on track and keep going. If you need help, call on the Lord Jesus Christ who is ready to help you meet your desires to be better this year than in 2023. 

He is a way maker and will sustain you one step at a time in your quest for better or to stay motivated. Like King David you can encourage yourself in Christ like he did , after some of the people wanted to stone him when the Amalekites came in and stole everything. Yes dear friend it was a very sad time for the King, however he asked the Lord what should be his next step and God told him to go after these rebels and reclaim his stuff. He did and their sorrows turned to joy for they fought their enemy and won with the help of Jehovah! You can have the same victory if you seek the Lord in whatever you are struggling with so far.

Nothing is too hard for God absolute nothing. He is capable, kind, understanding and wisdom is beyond measure. Just ask His help and let Him amaze you today. It is my prayer that 2024 though a Leap Year when many things can happen, He is the manager of time , seasons and the stars. He can be trusted and will never let you down. So what do you say? What do you have to lose, only believe for all things are possible when we believe the God of the universe and Lord over everything.(Psalm 121: 2) ”My help comes from the Lord , who made heaven and earth”.

Many Nursing Homes and Eventide Homes have gotten some good hardworking and knowledgeable Residents. Have you ever visited one of these facilities and speak with one of the Residents and hear their wonderful story of adventure and joy as they lived and can teach us many things about life? Try it and you will never be the same for touching a life or be touched by one.

For over thirty years, I have had this passion to care for these in ways, that I never thought would be so rewarding. Years ago I went to visit a friend at one of these facility and like ‘bunny’ I am still going with joy each month. On a given day of each month, I have a small team who helps me to bring some joy to these precious folk and spend an hour, singing, praying with then over their concerns, we read poems, and teach them, give quizzes, and most time no one wants to leave the area because they have enjoyed the time we spent with them and the joy of participating.

If you have a loved one in any of these facilities, make the time to visit them and listen to them. Do NOT forget them they need you and you certainly need them. Listen to their stories and how they have managed in their days when things were hard and challenging. Remember, if you live long enough you may end up in a Care facility. By the way, you do not have to be old, you could find yourself rehabbing in one of them too. Thank God for these Care homes, it is a blessing. May countries in our word does NOT have these places for their family or friends. Respect the workers, and staff who each day makes the best of their time as they plan complete and vibrant things to do each day or week or month they also need volunteers to help do bingo, craft, feed someone, or just be there to lighten the load of staff and other workers.

I do hope you have been given a new light in Home Care and the joy it can be as you spend time with those who do not know but your time is worth every moment you can give. Take the step with grace and love, you will never regret it. We celebrate birthdays, Mother’s Day , Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, MLKing Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We hand out small treats and they love every minute of all these celebrations. Go and be a blessing my friend.

General election coming soon. I think President Biden should rethink his plans for reelection. How healthy is he, how focussed is he and can he move around the country and fund raise or give speeches? Let us pray for wisdom for his decision as it will affect his leadership in this country and overseas leaders. I do know that many older persons are able to do their job even in older years. One of my favorite Bible character is Bro Caleb who told Joshua that at 85 yrs of age he was ready to fight and kill the giants and get his land for it was given to him years past by Moses. I dont know about our president can he fight the giants in our world -May he listen to wise advices from his wife and others.

Philadelpia have at least ten runners for governor or Mayor position. I have listened to their words of what they will do, but they are forgetting that they are not leading by themselves therefore lots of opposition will be faced- then what? Can the women lead with guts and brawn or will they be afraid of those who will challenge their proposals. I hope the best man or woman wins and they will continue to keep fighting for clean streets, crime and gun totting, and most of all take care of the schools and help children to be safe so they do not have to be afraid to learn or to play in their neighborhoods.

Philladelphia used to be a very lovey place to do things and see wonderful plays and concerts. Can it return without fear of being robbed or shot? Let us role up our sleeves and get to work before things get worse.

Churches and Pastors need to stay involve in the business of keeping Philly safe and clean and people can walk around with joy . Pastors, get off your seats and get to the street and show your teeth by talking and counsel young folk and many parents for the parents need help too. “It takes a village to raise a child ” we are our brother’s keeper so non is safe unless we do our part Amen?.

Since the past year to now, many of God’s good servants have been ushered home to their rewards. But may I ask each of us, this question. Now many have flown away, what about you to carry on? How are you working for the Lord, are you tired, stressed, discouraged or just plain pooped. “Be not weary in welldoing, for in due time you shall reap if you do not faint”. Galatian 6: 9.

Jesus had his own strategy after dealing with the crowds of the day- He sometimes went up to a mountain away from everyone to refresh himself and to talk with his father. He knew when to pull away for he was tired and hungry like us, and each day’s task was grueling. We need rest, we need to step back and assess ourselves and think through the work we did each day. Burn out is NOT of God, for Jesus our Lord showed us how to do ministry without ‘burn-outs’.

Today Friday, I had my hands full- two zoom meetings, one notary signing away from home, delivering of packages to two different homes. On my way home I realized that I had no lunch and I was thirsty and hungry. I came home and made tuna sandwiches and a glass of lemonade and a slice of Banana bread. What was my body saying? stop and eat, and spend a little time sorting mail and just chill and get perspective of the morning and all I was able to do.

I am just reminding myself and you dear friend, to stop thinking that we are super giants and when we get to heaven we can rest. hahahahaa! learn to rest now and you and I will last longer, our family will not be afraid of us because we become snappy, and of course our churches will be happy for us. God desires the worker’s time with Him, NOT the work so much. We must have balance as we serve our Lord. One day you and I will hear God’s word, ‘Well done’ so let us balance our time so that we can enjoy this precious work He has called us into with joy, not a heavy heart and resentment. “The joy of the Lord is our strength!”.

The Bible states that ALL have sinned and fall short of God’s glory(Romans 3:23)

By this then, it denotes that man cannot help him or herself to do the right thing, all the time. Yes we will never be able to control things even when we try. God is the answer to help us when we call for His help. What do we need His help for?

1. To keep us from pride and selfishness
2. to keep us aligned to His precious word (the Bible) for the guidance we need each day.
3. to help us to love each other. Not like Johnny Depp and his wife who are showing the world their drama and selfishness.
4. Love does no evil or illwill to each other especially to your children and spouse.
5. 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8 reminds us what love does NOT do to each other.
6. Keep us from evil should be a daily prayer for God said, if you think evil in just a matter of time you will give way to action. So be careful what you are thinking.
   1. Any practicing of sin, will keep us miserable and people will shun us because of the way we are living or allowing ourselves to keep on doing or practicing sinful habits. Thats why Jesus came to help us , for He knows we are weak, and evil is in our hearts daily. Our hearts can deceive us but we are making excuses for doing evil practices. God says, “STOP IT!” His heart is saddened for the blood we shed on a daily basis. His heart is crying of lives lost and we are not ready to live in eternity with Him. Let us change our attitude and repent of our foolish ways and seek the Lord’s help to turn things around so we can enjoy Him and each other here on this good earth. Are you ready for a change? Begin with me Lord, then leaders in government on every level and to the churches , schools and where we do our business. He wants to bring change but it MUST begin now and with you and me.