Greetings Siestas and a hug to each of you! What a joy and honor it is to share here. Outside my dear family, there is no other group that I have enjoyed doing life with as much as with friends from this dear community. My name is Lora Lovin Osburn, and I live in Tennessee. I have been married to my husband Gary for 26 years and we have two lovely daughters. Our oldest, Audra Elizabeth, was married last year, and Victoria, our youngest, is studying pre-law. I enjoy the beauty of GOD’s creation, architecture, art, lamp lights, gardening, earrings, poetry and walking with my family and Lilly Belle (our 12 year old Maltese). Some of my best days are Sundays at my church with my family seated nearby, serving on the prayer team, and worshiping and applying the word with them.
We have had a year full of major life events including our youngest going to college, my invalid father moving in with us, our oldest getting married. There were numerous hospital trips, then selling our home, and moving to a new town. Many times the circumstances within the major events made me think that a hidden camera must be following me around! Life just seemed crazy at times. Though I would not have chosen the events of the last year to be knitted so closely together, I can say that my faith is stronger, my family is closer, my friends are dearer, and my sweet Jesus seems even nearer. The abundance GOD allowed me to experience through this year is why every phrase in this verse just lept off the page and into my heart:
“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest,
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT
“You crown the year”
I see GOD giving a crown at the beginning of the year. I cannot imagine any reality TV show that would start the season by announcing the winner or giving the prize at the beginning. Although it would seem to make for a lackluster, anti-climatic season to know in advance who wins; I feel like GOD has done that with us. Why would HE, who holds the highest rank and title, give a reward of victory, before the season begins? Because HE loves us and is for us! This is going to be a glorious year! I believe that every day of the year is encircled with a diadem from HIM.
“With a bountiful harvest”
Growing up working in our family garden, I thought that my dad had planted to feed an army, and not just for our family, because of the abundance; but Dad was able to give generously of the harvest, and I see our heavenly Father doing the same. When I see HIS overflowing cart of good gifts for us, I can’t help but think that this verse applies to us not only as individuals but also to the church. HIS Word also confirms that the harvest is great in the world. In spite of what we are going through ourselves, there is kingdom work to do! Let’s be active in picking up a basket and harvesting the fields where GOD has placed us so that many souls will be added to HIS kingdom. May we witness an outpouring of HIS SPIRIT on all people and may many lives be impacted by and for the Kingdom of GOD.
“Even the hard pathways”
If I had the choice of “two roads diverged”, I would certainly choose the one that resembles a flowery Monet painting, not a hard pathway. Who would choose a hard pathway? But, that aptly describes my last year. The example JESUS gives when faced with difficulty encourages me. JESUS submitted HIS will to GOD at the cross and wore a crown of thorns. GOD did get the glory with JESUS, and I pray HE does from our GOD-ordained steps.
“Overflow with abundance”
When the children were little we’d take walks to the park, and our youngest would stop and pick up rocks along the way. She wasn’t mining gems; but she was finding delight in the daily, ordinary pathway. Sometimes I just want my path to be easy like the walk to the park; but GOD has crowned the year with so much of HIM, so much of HIS glory, that even the hard, the difficult, the part that I think I’d rather not have, overflows with abundance. Even though we may be walking in a busy season, through a complex or challenging situation, or facing intense personal concerns, truth states that hard pathways overflow with abundance. I love that this is present tense! Hallelujah!!! I need that on my pathway today! How amazing is our GOD!!! There is such a sense of celebration here because HE can be seen, felt, experienced, and praised even during difficult days! Glory to HIS Name!
Let us offer thanksgiving, sing, dance and praise:
GOD pours out abundance on our hard pathways!
Believing that many souls will be harvested and saved,
And at the outpouring of GOD’s Spirit, may we be amazed!
I’m living in and looking for HIS overflowing abundance,
So thankful for this year and GOD’s crowning circumference.
Bethany, Magnolia, TX
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:15, ESV
Debbie Berman, Boyd, TX
“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB
Veronica-Atlanta, Georgia
My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus (KJV) Philippians 4:19
Dana, San Angelo, Texas
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (ESV).
But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:10, NIV
Mary Ruth Franklin
Lanexa, VA
Ephesians 1:10-12
with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
Mary Ruth Franklin
Lanexa, VA
That’s Ephesians 1:10-12 NASB
Susan in Kansas
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.” Philippines 4:2 NIV84
Rhonda Butler, Jackson, Tennessee, Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NIV
Ashley Edwards, Chelsea, Alabama
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Moulton, Alabama: Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11 ESV
Holly from Cape May
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6,7. NIV
Ellen Dark, Sarnia, ON
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Colossians 3:23 (NASB)
Diane Perkins Rockford Mi
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in Us Romans 8:18. Beth mentions this verse at her conference, and a coworker gave it to me at work. God must want me to remember this verse!!
Pam G., Centreville, VA
Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Correction!
Pam G., Centreville, VA
Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Lori, Pueblo West CO: “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.”
~ Psalm 65:11 NLT
Apryl Raleigh,NC
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105 NIV
Laurie Watkins Arlington Tx
Herein is love not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son to be the propitiation
For our sins.
1 John 4:10 kjv
Judy PAULEY, Norfolk, Va.
Ps. 147:17
He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
Bonny Hansen, Mitchell, SD
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
â€â€2 Timothy‬ â€1:7‬ â€NIV‬‬
Michelle Vardeman, Russellville, AR
I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten–the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm–my great army that I sent among you. Joel 2:25 NIV
Julie Gresham Jackson, MS
Isaiah 40:31 NIV “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Sherri Zingarelli, Galena, OH:
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 4 NIV
Andrea Larmer, Hephzibah, Ga
“He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.” Psalm 121:3 (HCSB)
Daura Crawley, Conway, AR Proverbs 16:24 ESV
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Heidi Worthey, Moreland, GA
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”
â€â€1 Peter‬ â€5:8-9‬ â€NASB‬‬
Melissa Evans, Lexington, KY
“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest, even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT
Madelyn Crawley, Conway, AR Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Ann Medford, Sunset, TX
If my people who call themselves by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land. (NIV)
Donna Rose. Jayess, MS. “God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.”
â€â€1 Thessalonians‬ â€5:24‬ â€NLT‬‬
Judy of Marietta, GA says: But that is not the way you learned in Christ. Ephesians 4:20 ESV
Santa Clarita, CA: “‘Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature”. Gen 2:7 NIV
Meredith from Columbus, Ohio: Count yourself lucky- God holds nothing against you and you’re holding nothing back from him. -Psalm 32:2 (The Message)
Charlotte
Philadelphia MS
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11
ESV
Jenny
Covington, KY
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”
â€â€Romans‬ â€8:18-19‬ â€NIV‬‬
Marie from Post Falls, Idaho –
Therefore say to them, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Return to Me,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD of hosts.” – Zechariah 1:3 (NKJV)
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
â€â€Galatians‬ â€6:9-10‬ â€NKJV
Jennifer Lane, Grand Rapids, MI
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11 NIV
Stacie Beard, Collins, MS:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””
â€â€Joshua‬ â€1:9‬ â€NIV‬‬
Salley Sutmiller, Tulsa, OK:
“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”
â€â€Psalm‬ â€75:1‬ â€ESV‬‬
http://bible.com/59/psa.75.1.esv
Matthew 6:14 NIV
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Amy Mc Jones Weddington, NC Philippians3:8 (ASV)
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Misti Robinson from Houston, TX:
The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.
Psalms 41:3 ESV
Lee from IN; ESV Psalm 91:16
“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation”
Noblesville, IN
1 Corinthians 1:31 NIV
Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Johannah, Alexandria, LA
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”
â€â€Ephesians‬ â€4:23‬ â€NLT‬‬
Richardson, TX You crown the year with a bountiful harvest,
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT
This one is just right for me too.
Lisa Martin – Chesterfield, MO
Romans 4:4-5
When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.
But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. NLT
But for God and grace I am nothing.
Tracy
Lake Saint Louis, Missouri
Trust in the Lord forever,
For the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:4 NIV
Denise – Gardners, PA
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)