Psalm 77:1 - I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

What a comfort it is to know that when we cry unto God, He listens to us. When we complain to our family and friends, they will often turn a deaf ear. They get tired of hearing our problems, but God delights in hearing every word.

Esther 9:22 - As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

While Memorial Day reminds us of those who have fallen for our country, it is still a joyous day. It is a day to rejoice in the freedom we enjoy as Americans, and to remember and thank God for those who have given all for us to have that freedom.

Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

I have lost many friends and loved ones, and it never gets any easier. The most recent was today's homegoing of my dear friend Bill Stacy. He was a huge man with an even bigger heart. I've never known a kinder or more generous man. I know that his home-going was precious in the sight of our Lord, and I look forward to the day when I will see Bill Stacy again in Heaven.

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

There is so much in our daily lives that take away our peace of mind. I'm so glad I know Jesus as my personal Savior. When I am troubled or confused, I can go to Him, and He gives me peace, even when it doesn't seem possible to feel peace in the given situation. It's not always logical, but thank God it is always available.

Matthew 24:36 - But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

One day, Jesus will come back for His people. No one knows when that will be, except for God the Father. Throughout the ages, men have predicted the Lord's coming, but they have always been wrong. Now, someone is saying He will come back tomorrow. I don't know when He is returning, but I do know that it won't be tomorrow, because no one can even guess the right time. Even so, Lord, come quickly!

Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

As a mom, I have learned the validity of the verse. Whenever my son does something wrong, if I approach him in wrath, it causes him to become angry and takes away the learning opportunity. When I scold him with a sweet spirit, he is much more likely to accept it with a repentant spirit. I love seeing principles of the Bible become real in real-life situations!

Isaiah 49:15 - Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

While those of us who are parents, especially mothers, can't imagine someone abandoning their own child, unfortunately it will sometimes happen. However, we have the assurance that God will NEVER turn His back on His children. Though the whole world forsake me, my God will never forsake me!

Haggai 1:5-7 - Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

Twice in these three verses, God says, "Consider your ways." In between both injunctions, He describes a situation similar to what many are facing these days. Lately, it seems like no matter how hard we work, it's not enough. Prices keep getting higher while wages are shrinking. God's instruction to consider our ways makes me think that obedience to Him must be directly related to my prosperity in this life. Also, He is teaching me, on a daily basis, that He will provide, no matter what disparity there is between my income and my expenses, as long as I live in fellowship with Him.

Proverbs 12:1 - Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

When we do wrong, and friends and family try to talk sense into us, it is wise to listen to them. If we do not listen, God says we are brutish. A brute is a person who behaves like an animal. Let's all strive to be considerate human beings rather than brutish animal-like people.

Zephaniah 2:11 - The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.

One day, every person ever born will worship God, but that will happen only after God has punished the wicked. How much better it will be for those who love and worship God without first facing His wrath! I pray that all my friends and family will accept God's gift of salvation and escape the harsh judgment of the Lord.

Zephaniah 1:14 - The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

The world around us is full of signs that the Lord's second coming is near. What are we doing about it? How are we preparing for it? We need to guard ourselves against complacency and work hard for the Lord, spreading the good news of the Gospel to everyone we meet.

Proverbs 31:26 - She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

This chapter reminds me of my mother more than any other chapter in the Bible. Every verse talking about a virtuous woman is a description of her, this verse included. She wasn't a loud, outspoken woman, but when she did speak, it was something worth listening to. Also, she was kind in her speech, rarely speaking negatively of anyone. I have so much to learn from this chapter and my mom's godly example.

Proverbs 31:28 - Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

A Godly mother is a gift from God. My mom was a wonderful Christian lady. I thank God so much for blessing me with her. She has been gone over eight years, and I miss her more every day. My prayer is that God will help me to become more like her all the time.

Psalm 115:13,14 - He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

I have been blessed of God so much I can't write about it all. Sure, I've experienced some tough times and gone through some trials, but I have waited on God just to see how He was going to take care of everything. I have to marvel at how His blessings have come about -- the unlikely sources of blessings. I am eager to see what God is going to continue to do for me and Sam.

James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Have you been blessed? I sure have, and I want to be quick to give thanks to God for my blessings. According to this verse, everything good in our lives comes down from God. Have you thanked Him for what He has given to you and done for you?

Ephesians 6:4 - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

As parents, it is our grave responsibility to train up our children. It is so important to be consistent and practice what we preach. We often wonder why children stray from what their parents taught them. I think sometimes it is because the parents provoked them to wrath by teaching one thing and living the opposite, or by letting things slide one day and blowing up about them the next. Lord, help me to be consistent in teaching and practice.

Habakkuk 3:19 - The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

I often feel to weak to accomplish much. It is such a blessing to be reminded that God is my strength. He has plans for all of His children, and He gives us the ability to do what He has for us to do. Without Christ, I can do nothing; but with Him, I can do whatever He calls me to do.

Proverbs 22:8a - He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity:

We know what is right and wrong. When we continually do wrong, no good will come of it. Instead of being helpful and constructive, a life of wrong doing will have nothing to show for it. We need to make certain that things we do are good and will have a positive impact in our lives. Thank God we have His Word to guide us in the right way.