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.
Carol Bowen, Highlands, NC
1 Peter 5: 6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty Hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Kathy-Jamesville, NC-Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:33 ESV
Kim – Columbus, NC – Galatians 5:25 ESV
“if we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Jenny Manis, Granbury, TX, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs‬ â€3:5-6‬ â€NIV‬‬
Stacy Detroit, MI
““I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
â€â€Romans‬ â€8:18‬ â€NIV‬‬
Anne Chen, Cerritos, CA “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26 NIV
Nathalie Van Hoorebeke, Birmningham, UK
Rom 1:16 (NIV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel,
because it’s the power of God
that brings salvation to everyone who believes:
first to the Jew, then to the Gentile
Irene, White Pigeon MI- Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NCV
Rachel Patterson – Jinja, Uganda
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” ~ Colossians 3:17
Olda, Huntsville
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,”
Revelations 12:21a
Carrie Lyons Homer Glen, IL
John 14:27 NLT
“I am leaving you a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world can not give. So don’t be troubles or afraid.”
Amanda Singleton, Drexel, NC
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15 ESV)
Laura D, Cleveland, OH. “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
â€â€1 Thessalonians‬ â€5:24‬ â€ESV‬‬
Leslie G-Warner Robins, GA
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Kim Haines–Ashland, ME
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. (NIV)
Abingdon, VA
I Chronicles 16:11 HCSB
“Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually.”
Angi, Pelham, AL
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8 KJV
Bel Air, MD
Isaiah 30:15 For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:“You will be delivered by returning and resting;your strength will lie in quiet confidence.But you are not willing.” HCSB
Lisa from Rootstown, Ohio. Psalm 139:1. NIV. “You have searched me, O Lord, and You know me.”
Anna Lange, Mobile, AL, Ephesians‬ â€1:13‬ â€KJV‬‬
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
â€
Sherry Stewart Winston-Salem, NC
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.Romans 12:12 HCSB
Tanya, Raleigh, NC
Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. (Ephesians 4:2-3 CEB)
Janice in Abbeville, Al
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he shall flee from you.”
James 4:7 NKJV
Beth, Concord, NC
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 NIV
Paula Hale, Brownwood, Tx
“Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”
â€â€Psalm‬ â€100:2‬ â€ESV‬‬
Marie Franse, Albuquerque, NM: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:41-32
Samantha from Texarkana, AR
“For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”
â€â€Psalm‬ â€108:4‬ â€NIV‬‬
Cara Roberts, Reelsville, Indiana. “You crown the year with with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT
Miriam T. – Columbia,SC
To those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. Psalm 103:18 (ESV)
Carol Stainbrook, Kimberling City, MO
“I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. You have helped me, and I sing happy songs.” Psalm 63:6-7 CEV
Christy MacDonald, St. Clements, Ontario, Canada
“I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and Your wonderful works. They will proclaim the power of Your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. They will give testimony of Your great goodness and will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love.” Psalm 145:5-8 HCSB
Brandi Mincey, Hope Mills, NC
The LORD is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
NIV
Kim B., Colfax, La
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NIV
Andrea, Milton, FL (formerly Havelock, NC)
“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest, even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” NLT
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
Tracy, Sidney Ohio
Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?” John 4:48 NLT
Linda, Johnstown, Pa.
Romans 15:4 (NIV)
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Alice, Chesapeake VA
Romans 8:15 NET
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Lisa, Ft. Worth, Texas
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth. Yours is the dominion,O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head above all.
1 Chronicles 29:11, NAS
Kendra from Fort Wayne, IN. Rom 4:19-20 “without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, in respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God…” (NASB)
Deb Mott, Bradenton, FL. Ephesians 6 verse 15: NASB and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Dian Helgerud in cocoa beach
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Paige Storlie, Amarillo, TX
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
WAYNE,PA
“And this is the secret, Christ lives in you!”
Col 1:27b NLT
Joan Baile, New Windsor, Md
Therefore,as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Colossians 3:12
Barb Wisconsin “When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh,my adversaries and foes, it is they who will stumble and fall.” Ps 27:2 ESV
Brenda McGurk, Medina,Ohio
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalms 19:14 (ESV)
Lori
Shakopee MN
“Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”
â€â€James‬ â€4:7‬ â€HCSB‬‬
Matt 6:34 (ESV) Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Mary Beth – Hudsonville, MI
These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, Titus 2:4 NLT