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.
Rhonda Rowe, Kingston, OK:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
â€â€Romans‬ â€8:18‬ †(ESV‬‬)
Amy 7634
“Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.”
Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)
Laury Pitts from San Clemente, CA: “25 “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25 NKJV
Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 KJV
Carrie Guion, Wentzville, Mo.
Jesus replied, “Themost important commandment is this: ‘Listen O Israel: The Lord our God is the one and only Lord.
Mark 12:29 NLT
Tracy Chapman
Andice,TX
1 John 3:18 NIV
“Dear children,
Let us not love with word or speech
But with actions and in truth.”
Deborsh Harney, Columbia City, IN, “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. ” Romans 8:28 NIV
Letha Miller. Cullman, AL.
And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:20 ESV
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Psalm 14:3 (NIV)
All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Rhonda Beck. Winston Salem, N.C.
Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Hebrews 7:25 NIV Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through Him because he always lives to intercede for them.
Cary, NC
Sylvia S.
Collinsville, IL
Psalms 55:22 (NASB)
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Kim G., Colonial Heights, VA
Isaiah 41:10 NET
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you – yes, I help you – yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand!
Michele Zamora -Lubbock, TX
Jeremiah 31:3
“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying, Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore have I drawn thee.”
Tina Shelton – Richmond, TX
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 NIV
Meredith, VA BEACH VA
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18 (ESV)
Dawn P, Warren MI Php.4.13.ESV I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Lisa Cooper – Fort Worth, Texas
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 NIV
Diane lukes from Rancho Santa Margarita, ca jer .31:25
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” NIV
Colleen, Mae Sot, Thailand
… but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8 ESV
This is a lovely post. Thank you for sharing your heart and your hard. You are a blessing to me today.
Sherry
Choctaw, OK
“to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”
Ps. 103:18. ESV
Beth, Andover, MN: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the one I praise.” Jeremiah‬ â€17:14‬ â€NIV‬‬
Allison Rains Benton, LA
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” ~2 Timothy 1:7~ (ESV)
Kerri Eyler, Woodsboro, MD
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18, NIV
Kim Lee, Faison, NC: “And that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness. ” Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV)
Mary Lilburn GA I Thess 5:23. NIV May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Susan Peaslee Somerville, Maine
” He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.” KJV
Kathryn Luedtke, Sherwood Park,Alberta
Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Psalm 103: 21-22 (Yipee! First time for a whole Psalm memorized)
“Do not be afraid of them; The Lord your God Himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22 NIV
Wynne
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 (NASB)
Julie, Madison, Ga
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.
John 14:1 NIV
Connie Harper, Tyler, Tx. “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest,
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT
Jenni Neal, Dunn, NC “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14-15 KJV
Miami Fl
Psalm 138:8 (Amp)
“God is at work in my life and he will perfect everything that concerns me”
Tangila, Pearland TX
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. Psalm 145: 13 NLT
Dawn Fuhrman, Cape Coral, FL
Psalm 51:10 ESV
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Mary Jayne,Qulin MO
“I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4
HCSB
Sherri Medford, Abilene, Tx
If my people, who are called 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 sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
Renee Kohagen, Kodak TN, Colossians‬ â€3‬:â€11‬ NIV
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Meagan, st Augustine fl
Care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd, not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
1 Peter 5:2-3 msg
Michelle Wynne, Spokane, WA- my verses for last time and this time. All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV. and. For I consider that the sufferings of this present times are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18. ESV
Michelle Wynne, Spokane, WA- my verses for last time and this time. All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV. For I consider that the sufferings of this present times are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18. ESV
Karen McCormick – Waco, Texas
“This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning…”
Lamentations 3:21-23 NIV
Fort Worth, TX
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Sue from Fargo, ND
Colossians 3:1 (MSG)
If you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.
Stephanie, El Cajon, CA, Psalm 18:19 (NIV): “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”
Amy Flanagan Santee Ca Heb 6:19 NIV
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Emily, Topeka, Kansas
“..that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NIV)
Thank you so much for your inspirational words of wisdom. Earlier this evening, I was trying to formulate words to explain how challenging times prepare us for God’s blessing — and then you said it for me: “…hard pathways overflow with abundance.” ❤️