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.
Lyn, Tulsa, OK
“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31 (NKJV)
Aryn Madsen, Beaverton, OR
The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”
â€â€Luke‬ â€10:41-42‬ â€MSG‬‬
Tami G. Franklin, TN
God’s will is that “all should come to repentance” through faith in Christ (2 Peter 3:9).NIV
Wendy Karabensh
Vero Beach
“Even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:10
NIV
Amy, Arlington, VA “Let us not become conceited, proving one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:26 ESV
Catherine, Centreville, VA.
You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love; beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless. Song of Songs 4:7 (MSG)
Jennifer, Topeka, Kansas
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship . .
Romans 8:15 (NIV)
Sarah M., Laurel, MS “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (NIV)
Janis Slatter, Auckland New Zealand
Proverbs 31 v 17 Amplified
She girds herself with strength (spiritual, mental and physical fitness for her God-given task) and makes her arms strong and firm
Jennie Marie Knoll – DeWitt, AR
Philippians 4:11b, 13 NASB
I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17 NASB
Roxanne, Houghton Lake,MI
Colossians 3:23
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord
and not to men.”
Lynn, Divide, CO
Psalm 91:1, ESV
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Gal 2:20, ESV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Marcy, Euless TX
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4(NIV)
Lisa Pauls
Lake Jackson, TX
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed i us.”
Romans 8:18 NIV
Psalm 13:6 NIV – I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
Angelina Eger, Moscow ID
Matthew 11:28 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Pat Tilson, Fort Worth TX: For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Gail Hinshaw, Summerville, Oregon
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1 ESV
Reanna, Cypress, CA
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you , O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1 ESV
Becca, Monterey CA.
“She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
~ Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
Julie
Sugar Land, TX
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Barbara Dunton
Midland, Texas
Psalm 42:1 (ESV)
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
jennifer Wilson, Brentwood, CA
John 6:29 “Jesus answered,’The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'” (NIV)
Little Elm, TX
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you
Peter 5:7 NIV
Linda, Bartelso, IL, Romans 8:18 NKJV For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Grand Saline, TX
John 3:16 For God So Loved The World That He Gave His Only Son that whosoever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Abby T., Ferndale, WA
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand I will not be shaken.”
–Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
Moreen, Sydney , Australia
Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen. (â€Isaiah‬ â€44‬:â€2‬ ESV)
Marrie Gardner Cullman, AL
Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
ESV
Alicia Casady, Columbia, MO
September #1:
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
September #2:
“But as for me I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7, NIV
Karen from Iowa. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 NIV.
Jacqueline Davidson Sarnia ON
“You will keep in perfect peace him whoseind is steadfast, because he trusts in you ”
Isaiah 26:3
Nitsa, Eugene, OR. “The LORD helps all who fall; He raises up all who are oppressed.” psalm 145:14 HCSB
Jane from Calgary, Alberta
“From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the uplifted arm is broken.” Job 38:15 (NASB)
Pam Coleman
DeLeon Springs, Florida
Hebrews 4:16(NIV)
16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Sandy Woffard Rio Rancho NM
Isaiah 55:6-9 NKJV Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, ” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Sharon, Barrington
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Tracie Johnson, Taylorville, IL
Happy is the heart that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Prov 28:14 KJV
Melissa Sangster, Simpsonville, Ky
Psalm 73:26 “My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” NIV
Tammy,
Lusby, MD
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Dori Wooldridge Indiana
John 16:33 NIV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”
This is my command–be strong and courageous!
Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
for Sept 15 ~
Whatever you do , do it all for the glory of GOD. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Brianna from Jonesboro, AR
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
â€â€Ephesians‬ â€6:10-11‬ â€NIV‬‬
Martha Blacklock
Lubbock, TX
Exodus 14:14 “The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
NLT
Melissa, Vicksburg, MS “The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?” Ecc 6:11 NLT
Melinda, Rowlett, Texas
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV
Sherry from Independence, Oregon:
“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10 NKJV)