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.
The grass withers, the flowers fade, but tbe word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8 NASV
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” (â€Psalms‬ â€139‬:â€13-16‬ NKJV)
Lea Ann from Hales Corners, WI
“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest,
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT I needed this today! Thank you!
Jamie – Paramount, Ca
“that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!”
Psalm 30:12 NLT
Thank you for your post.
Yes, I also have been there in the day’s with questions if this is what the Lord has for me
But you have a wonderful expression of faith in the words and thoughts that you shared
Thanks you again for the upbeat outlook that the Lord has blessed you with
I pray you feel His presence thought the rest of 2015 and into the year ahead
Rachael from Marietta, GA
Ephesians 1:19:
…and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
Donna, Indianapolis, In ~ Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
â€â€Psalm‬ â€9:10‬ â€NIV‬‬
Heather, Hempstead, TX
Galatians 3:29, “And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” (NLT)
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 ESV
1 Peter 4:17 ESV
For it is time for judgment to begin at the householdof God; And if it begins with us, what will be the out come for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Laurel Montealegre White Pigeon, MI
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Rom 15:13 ESV
Adrienne, Valdosta, GA
“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:3 NIV
Andrea from Independence, KY
Psalm 88:1 (NIV)
LORD, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.
Sparta, TN
Heb 12:3 NKJV
For consider Him who endured such hostility
from sinners against Himself,
lest you become weary and
discouraged in your souls.
Barb * St Cloud MN * 3 John 4 (NIV) “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Kim Bignon- Orlando, Florida
“”He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.” Job 36:16 NIV
Ellen Hollenshead, Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. Psalm 16:8-9, ESV.
Lora Faircloth, Fayetteville, NC
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. I Peter 5:6-7 NIV
deb dull… Habakuk 3:19 Amp “The Lord God is my strength ( my source of courage, my invincible army); He has made my feet (steady and sure) like hinds feet and makes me walk (forward with spiritual confidence) on my high places (OF CHALLENGE AND RESPONSIBILITY) i choose this verse as there are many different family issues going on along with the higher place God is calling me to pray for… All i desire is Him and His will and this scripture spoke to me greatly. God Bless You all greatly!!
Susan Jezek, St. Petersburg, Florida
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
I Peter 5:17
Marlena Cantrell, Alabaster, AL
“Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
â€â€1 Peter‬ â€5:9-11‬ â€ESV‬‬
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Lindsey in Houston TX
Sheila Johnson, Beckley, WV But, I am trusting You, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” Psalm 31:14 NLT
Nancy Sticht, St. Augustine, FL
Today is my husband’s and my 36th wedding anniversary – this was our wedding verse so I thought it was appropriate to post today!
No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.
I John 4:12 (NASB)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him So that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Jeanne Gammon, Renton, WA – “Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€62:8‬ â€NASB‬‬
Julie, Prescott, AZ
1 Timothy 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quite life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.” ESV
Terryl Arola – Pine City, MN
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
Punky Tolson, Dallas, TX – “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11, NET
“For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” Romans 8:24 (ESV)
Lisa Lucik Sugar Land, TX
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work is finished.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Shannon, Columbia, SC
“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
I Kings 19:11-12 (NIV)
Carrie Lagas, North Potomac MD
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5 NIV
Patty Lincoln, Columbia, SC: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,”. 2 Cor. 10:3. NASB
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147:10-11 NIV
Cindy Barger
Houston, Texas
Joni, Port Neches, TX. “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.” 1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV
Julia Posel, Munich, Germany. “Yahweh (the Lord) directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24 NLT – adapted)
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Today I have given you the choice between life and death. Oh, that you would choose life so that you and your descendants may live! If you love the eternal Lord you God, always listen to His voice, always remain loyal to Him, and commit yourself firmly to Him — THIS is the key to life! Deuteronomy 30:19-20
‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.’ Philippians 2:3 ESV
Glennell Strawn
Psalm 62:8 (AMP)
Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him.
God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Lori Smith Little Rock Ar
Psalms 37:23
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Lisa, West Des Moines, IA “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 (NLT)
Lynne, Telford, PA
Part I
As each has receivved a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:”
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
Audrey, Ohio
1 Chronicles 29:11 TNIV
“Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, LORD, is the Kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.”
Ann Thiede, Searcy, Arkansas: Ephesians 5:15,16 (The Message)
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
Flint, Texas
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36
NIV
Tyler, Texas
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36
NIV
Jones Creek, Texas
Lift your eyes to the Heavens;
God created the starry host
and calls each by name.
Isaiah 40:26
(NIV)
Teri in Kalamazoo:
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.[1Co 9:25 KJV]
Lorri Matthews, Phenix City, Al.
Philippians 4:19 NKJV
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.