Have you noticed that during these days of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the birds continue to sweetly sing their praises to the King of kings?  The spring flowers burst into bloom displaying their grandeur.  The flock of 5 geese continue to navigate their way over the roof of my home in perfect formation toward their destination.  And, scampering up the tall pine tree, the squirrel is still being harrassed by the cat in a seemingly playful game of chase.  Life goes on as normal and yet our lives have drastically taken a turn in a direction that we would have never gone on our own!

Do you have feelings of anxiousness as you see people are donned in a new apparel of mask and gloves? The stock market teeters like a see-saw. The grocery stores are still running bare.  When you HAVE to get out, you suit up like a surgeon going into surgery, and pray that as you dodge people in the aisles, that you stay safe.  It's a new scary time for us.  My family chuckled when we realized that we are all out of work except my niece and her new husband (the youngest couple in our family) and teased them about all of us having to be cared for by them!  Actually, it was a startling realization and not funny at all, that there are no certainties that any of us would have jobs when we get back to normal...if that would ever happen.  I'm sure that many of you reading this can relate to the feelings of an anxious heart.

Today, our friend Margaret Kemp shares a personal story and provides some encouragement for us and how to deal with our nervous energy and anxiety.
Please welcome Margaret as we "look at the birds of the air!"
Praying for all of our readers,
​Sherry

 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 
Are you not of more value than they? 
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 
 Matthew 6:26-28 (ESV)

I felt my heart rate accelerate. My jaw clenched. My muscles tightened. My body and mind were suddenly on alert: Stressful situation approaching!

My husband and I were discussing our finances in view of the sudden upheaval in the world’s economy. I’d tried to ignore graphs of the stock market jumping up and down like a kid on a trampoline. But as my husband and I talked, my heart rate was bouncing up, too.

The world is in a crisis unlike any I’d experienced in my lifetime.  We don’t know what the future holds. What if we make the wrong decision? 

If I let my imagination run wild, I could envision us in a Depression Era scene, empty bowls in hand, shuffling in line to get our daily ration at a soup kitchen. 
​
Then I had to take a deep breath and remember where our hope is anchored. It’s not in our bank accounts, our jobs, or the economy. Our hope is in God…the very same God who’s provided for us all along, through past upheavals, recessions, and natural disasters. 

​In Matthew Chapter 6, we read Jesus’s wonderful illustration of how God cares for the lilies and the birds. It’s important to note this comes right after Jesus says not to lay up treasures on earth, and that we can’t serve both God and money. Jesus tells us to focus on the important things; God will provide for our needs.

​After those lovely, reassuring words about taking care of the lilies and the birds, Jesus says this:

“Each day has enough trouble of its own.” That’s a discouraging statement.  I looked it up in the Greek, and it sounded even worse. Trouble is “kakia,” which is also translated “evil,” “malice,” or “wickedness.”  So much for my vision of lilies blooming and birds singing. 

But then, life isn’t always birds and flowers, is it? Many people are now in the middle of painful, desperate situations. But we don’t need to compound our difficulties by worrying about tomorrow. 
The Living Bible paraphrases the words of Jesus this way:

God will give believers the strength to endure whatever comes our way today. Live one day at a time.
​
One of my heroes of faith is Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Christian whose family hid Jews in their home during WWII. She and her family were eventually arrested, and Corrie and her sister were sent to a concentration camp. Corrie survived and wrote of her experience in a book called The Hiding Place. In the book, she recounts an incident from her childhood when she was afraid that her father would die. 

It's been years since I read the book, but I’ve never forgotten that story. When tomorrow comes, God will give us grace for tomorrow’s trials, but not before. 

In the meantime, we make the best decisions with the information we have today, but we don’t fret. We can take our nervous energy and redirect it into positive things, like seeking God and doing our part to advance His kingdom.

Write that letter. Make that phone call. Say those encouraging words. Help where we can. Be faithful to fulfill the responsibilities we have today. 
​
Remember God’s tender care for us in the past---then tell others what he’s done.

 He’s been faithful in the past. He’ll provide for us in the future. 

I just finished reading A Journey of Faith and Collection of Treasured Memories, written by Cathi Popp Smith, a member of our own church body. The book reminded me that God is actively involved in the lives of individuals today.

What about you? Instead of worrying about tomorrow, what can you do today to draw closer to God? 

Look at your sphere of influence. What can you do today to make a difference? 

I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but I know God’s in control.
And I know I have today.

​A myriad of faces lined the street as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.  The roar of the crowd screaming, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ and ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ filled the air as many citizens spread their cloaks and cut branches from trees, paving the road for this triumphal entry.  The whole city was stirred and yet some asked, “Who is this?” 

​Louisiana is the place where there seems to be a parade for every occasion. There is much anticipation, preparation, and celebration for every parade that is proclaimed in our area.  Even Trader Joe’s closed it’s doors due to the celebratory chaos that would take place during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and all of it’s festivities.  It is hard to comprehend the gathering of any large crowd and anyone asking, “What’s all the commotion?!”  I remember the week that our Governor shut down the big Saturday St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the possible COVID-19 Pandemic. The news media focused more on the loss of the parade rather than what could actually happen when a single droplet of Coronavirus could do to suddenly shut down the whole world!  The only parades now are the ones that drive by as people try to celebrate their friend’s birthday or special occasion.  Today as I am on the porch writing this blog, a parade of cars covered in balloons and posters, drivers honking their horns, and families hanging out of the windows, scream out in celebration over someone in my neighborhood.  I question, “Who Is This?” that they celebrate?

​The day that Jesus paraded into the Jerusalem was epic, especially when it was just days prior to Passover. Jesus was celebrated, but for different reasons.  As He was accompanied by some disciples who were zealots, He was seen as the leader of the insurrection, to bring peace and victory over the Roman Empire. Some celebrated Him for He was a “great prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”  Some celebrated because they had been healed of their infirmity.  Some knew the truth of who He claimed to be but silently watched as rode by.  I think of Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50-51) a member of the Sanhedrin council who was in disagreement with the others, as he was a secret follower waiting for the kingdom of God.  And yet the question lingers, “Who is this?”

​We as believers know well the story and events that took place leading up Easter.  I came across this incredible timeline of Passion Week from Bible Gateway and wanted to share it with you.  I encourage you to follow each day as it leads up to the parade of the Via Dolorosa, the events of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and to the points of His many appearances. I found it helpful as a visual aid to help me process the story line in the way my brain operates and receives information.  Look at it closely as use the scripture references as a study guide for each day. I suggest that you download the file and print it so that you can see it better.

One revival night, the teachings of Jesus' parade down the Via Dolorosa was a turning point in my life.  The visiting Jewish Evangelist spoke of Christ's great love and described the great suffering that Jesus took as my substitute.  I cannot even begin to adequately describe the imagery that this pastor used to unveil my eyes to the scenes of that day.  The Holy Spirit began to tug at my heart and move me to want to know more of that great love and sacrifice.

​Every April is remembered as a special time in my life!  It is the month that I made my own parade down the aisle of that little Baptist church; not to be recognized as anyone special, but to be recognized as a sinner ready to be saved by God’s grace.  The events of Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the cross were vivid in my 9-year-old mind and heart.  Overwhelmed by His pursuing love, I gave my heart to Christ and committed myself to a life of following Him, obeying Him, and sharing Him with the world.  

Remember, that Christ viewed as living, and not as having died, is not a saving Christ. He himself saith, “I am he that liveth and was dead.” The moderns cry, “Why not preach more about his life, and less about his death?” I reply, Preach his life as much as you will, but never apart from his death; for it is by his blood that we are redeemed. “We preach Christ.” Complete the sentence. “We preach Christ crucified,” says the apostle. Ah, yes! there is the point. It is the death of the Son of God which is the conquering weapon.  Charles Spurgeon
​
And we know that it was completed with the Resurrection!  Jesus took the keys of Death and Hell and by His sacrifice, He made a way for us to reign with Him forever! Thanks be to God for His marvelous plan.

So, I ask the question to you, “Who Is This?” How well do you know Jesus?  Do you really know Him intimately? Don’t let this COVID-19 Pandemic rattle you.  I don’t want to think it a small thing but a tool that draws us deeper into fellowship with Christ. Hopefully you have read the ending and we as believers in Christ are overcomers by the blood of the Lamb.
 
Put it into practice:
Take some time to make a list of who Jesus is to YOU and how you have overcome.  Jot a memory of ‘why’ beside each title.  I think that you will find it a rich practice and one worth celebrating over.  Why, you might even decide to do your own celebratory parade!  Wouldn’t that be a site and raise questions!  

Celebrating the Risen Savior,
​Sherry

​Times like these expose our weaknesses and I think our strengths and they reveal who we look to and in whom trust when great trials come. 
 
This past Saturday, March 28 the message of this blog was presented on a facebook live post as part our 516 Daily devotional at my church – Community Bible Church in Baton Rouge. My husband Ken and I sang together at the beginning and end of the video and Kathy Rumfellow joined us on the violin. If you would prefer to listen rather than read, you can find it on our Restore ministries facebook page. You will also find the video link  at the end of this blog.
For thoses of you who have already listened, I would ask that you consider using the prayer for our medical providers found below as a guide in the weeks ahead.

 I have been so grateful for the doctrinal series study I have been doing this week with my church. This week’s lesson was Who is Jesus. In these days of the Corona virus we need to be reminded of who Jesus is!
 
As I read one of the Scripture lessons from Isaiah 9:6-7, I was struck by how many times I have sung those words in choir pieces in church since I was a teenager. They are planted deep in my heart. Most of the songs are from my memories of Christmas music and that’s most often when we hear these verses read. 
But I find it so powerful for these days.
 
Read this beautiful description of Christ, the Messiah

This is such powerful truth!
 
There are so many Scriptures where we see the fullness of the character of Christ revealed – He is the Word, truth, light, Deliverer, Savior, the Hope of the world, the Son of God and yet because he lived on earth, he understands our humanity. He has compassion for our human struggles and the power to help usovercome them as we are face this pandemic.
 
As I’ve texted, emailed, and been on Facebook much more than usual with friends and family over the last two weeks, I’ve noticed that there is a common thread in our struggles, but we handle them differently. 
We all have a need. 
 
Those of us who struggle with anxiety feel our chests tighten and have trouble sleeping more than usual.
We need peace to invade our souls. Isaiah 9 tells us that in Christ we have the 
Prince of Peace.
 
Those of us who seem to thrive on the constant running and the doing may feel lost and useless in the sudden stillness. We may feel trapped in our homes as we are all faced with the struggle to find a new routine for our days.
 
We need a sense of purpose. Jesus has work for us to do in these days.
It may be to rest in His presence, to pray. He may give you an opportunity to share your faith.
In Christ we have a Wonderful Counselor, full of wisdom who can guide us. 
 
Those of us with family and friends far away wrestle with a longing in our hearts to physically touch and see that they are ok. That has certainly been my struggle as my oldest daughter, son-in – law and granddaughters live far from us in South Carolina and my youngest daughter in is the hot spot of the world right now, New York City. 
 
Maybe like me, you need to be reminded that although we are separated from one another we can never be separated from the love of God.
 
We need a comforter.  In Jesus we have the Good Shepherd of our souls.
 
Those of you who have lost income or retirement investments, or jobs may face fear of the future. I’ve heard that fear so many times as I’ve spoken with family and friends.
 
We need a provider. We need to believe that Jesus will supply what we truly need because He will. He sees the darkness that you face and He is the light to lead you through it.
 
Those of you with all the little ones suddenly at home wonder if you will find the strength and creativity to manage the schoolwork, the meals, the fun, the noise level. Maybe you feel inadequate or insecure as suddenly you’re challenged in so many areas of your life.
Or some of you have grown children home who haven’t lived with you for years. How do you manage that?
​ Or maybe you are lonely as you face isolation in your home for so many weeks.
 
You need to know there is a source of strength and creativity beyond yourself.
Isaiah 9 tells us one of the names of our Savior is Mighty God.
Surely the Creator of this beautiful universe in which we live and in whose image we are made can supply the creativity to survive and even thrive in these days.
And when you are weary or lonely,  remember His words of comfort...
 
 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
 
I think all of us struggle some with fear of this disease that threatens us. We are fearful for those we know and love who suffer from it or face the danger of it in the medical field day after day.
We need a Healer and a Deliverer.
We need to look to Jesus who never changes even though the situation with this virus is constantly changing every day. 

That reality came home to me especially in the last days through conversations with my mom’s nurses. My mom is 91 and has severe Alzheimer’s disease and lives in a nursing home here in town. My sister and I typically visit her very often during the week, but now in this pandemic she can have no visitors and it’s been 19 days since I’ve been able to see her. About ten days ago we got a call that mom had developed a deep cough, fever and pneumonia and they were doing a test on her for corona virus. It was a very long 5 day wait for the results. During that time, we were checking with the nurses every day. But then one day I got a call from the nurse. I asked her if mom was fearful. She paused and then broke a little and said, “Yes, she is. She can’t understand or remember why she must be in isolation. She is flinging out at us and constantly tries to get out of her bed and then falls. This is not your mom, Kathy…it is the disease and we are trying to manage her pain." Mom had fallen a few weeks earlier and broken several ribs so the pain from such a deep cough had to be brutal.
 I told her that I had been praying for the nurses and aids caring for all the residents and asked if I could pray for her. She said yes and told me a little of her own struggle. Her mom was in a nursing home in much the same situation in another state and yet she was not able to be with her because she was caring for my mom in her job here. After we prayed, she said, “I knew I was supposed to call you. Now I have a sense of peace." It was such a sweet time.
 We finally received news that mom’s test came back negative. Praise the Lord and thank you for all of the prayers so many of you lifted up.
 I began sharing prayers with her by text and told her that I would ask others to pray for all the medical professionals during this uncertain, difficult time as we watch the news of health providers crying out for help and laboring to care for those stricken with this disease in our world. 
I wrote out the prayer below and sent it to her. Please consider joining with me in praying for the doctors, nurses, and medical providers. You may want to use the prayer below as a guide.

Prayer for our doctors, nurses and medical providers
Christ Our Healer and Savior
 
The brokenness and sickness in our world is staggering.
The hurting people, Your beloved, are lining the halls,
filling the hospital beds and waiting in long lines for drive thru testing,
in desperate need of supplies and quarantining
in our nursing homes and at home.
​ There is fear and worry and pain that is real and it is overwhelming.
 
Father we pray that you would cover them with your protection
and your grace. May their hands of service be an extension of your mercy.
Fill them with strength and compassion.
May they find their rest in You Father.
 
Lord, for those suffering from COVID-19,
the medical providers are the human face of compassion
when families and friends cannot come near.
Let their presence bring comfort and healing not only physically,
but emotionally as patients are frightened and suffering.
Give them a capacity to love and offer hope and fill them with wisdom
as they make decisions to provide the best care for patients. .
May their hands and minds be skilled and may they look to You
in these days as the Great Physician.
  
Please protect them from this contagious virus and provide the protective supplies that they need to minister healing and grace
without risk to their own health and protect their families.  

Lord, we ask that you by your mighty power
would stop the devastating spread of this virus.
May we turn our hearts and souls and look to you in this crisis.
Unite our hearts in prayer.
We ask for Your mercy to rain down on us Lord and we bless your Holy name.
In the powerful name of Jesus,
Amen
 
Psalm 103:2-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, 
who forgives all your iniquity, 
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. 

 If there is one thing that we have all learned it is that we are not in control. 
Aren’t you grateful that Jesus is never out of control? 
The child born to us, our Savior is the Everlasting Father,
and He is righteous and just. 
We need to find our rest in His presence so that we can hear His voice, trust in His sovereignty and know in the depths of our hearts that He reigns over it all and longs to bring us to a place of restoration. 
Jesus will hold us fast and secure – even the COVID 19 pandemic.
 
 There is a wonderful song of comfort called He will Hold Me Fast that is an old hymn written by Ada Habershon and put to new music by Matt Merker. It has become almost my anthem during the last few years as I have faced a lot of loss in the death of dear friends and family, my mother's loss of memory and a long season of personal illness. I find that I keep returning to it over and over and it has been on my heart in the last few weeks.
​
This is the Jesus who holds us –Son of God, Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. 
Will we choose to place our hope in Jesus, the anchor for our souls?
Will we surrender and believe that God has a purpose for us in this crisis?
 He will sustain us. He will hold us fast.

May the Savior in His mercy protect and sustain you and hold you fast
​during these days.
Kathy

You can listen to me sing this on the Restore Ministry facebook page. 
The song begins at 11:28 on the video.                              
Click Here:
https://www.facebook.com/516church/videos/1385739824946083/?t=0

Or you can listen this beautiful hymn performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty at the link below.

Also, in case you missed it in last weeks blog and are looking for some encouraging music during this time. I have created a Spotify playlist entitled God, our Hope to fill your souls with His truth as His melodies sing over you. My list has grown over the last few weeks to over 4 hours of music!
Here is the link. Just click the heart to follow and access.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0C7kryy1Xv0VfdIlVcTqeY?si=MBE8LSjMQk2cfTCY9b2KbQ

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In these days what will we do with our fears about the future, our confusion over conflicting stories in the media, our worries about our families, our stress about the financial security in these uncertain times? It is easy to live in the illusion that we are in control, and then we are suddenly faced with adversity, a job loss, an illness, or a virus that changes that landscape of our lives.

 If there is one thing that we have learned it is that we are not in control.
The good news is…We have a God who is! 
When we learn to let go of the illusions that we hold onto so tightly, we may discover  a deeper faith, a greater trust and find instead a deep encounter with Jesus 

What is your story? We all have one. Of course, it is changing daily as the coronavirus makes its way across our world and we try to find ways to stop it.
 
I have a daughter living in New York City and found myself canceling my trip that I had planned this weekend to celebrate her birthday. We had tickets to a Broadway show and several gatherings planned to celebrate.  I had been cooking all her favorite dishes to freeze and bring with me. I have not been for a visit in 2 ½ years. And then her teary phone call came with these words, “Mom, I just don’t think you should come. I don’t want you to take the risk with your history of respiratory issues and the city is changing every day.” And so….I canceled. I must respect her wishes, her discernment. As the week unfolded I saw she was right,  but my heart is there, and she still travels on the subway to her nanny job. Her other job has ceased. Her voice students are cancelling. My brave girl....  
 
My oldest daughter lives in Greenville, SC with her husband and two young daughters. They have finally just bought their first house. Her husband’s work depends on him going into the schools which have just been closed.The question lingers, how will this affect the income for this young family? Of course, the necessary closing of schools is affecting the nation in so many ways.
 
 My mom is in a nursing home with severe Alzheimer’s disease. Visitation is now not allowed for her protection. I was actually sitting with her rubbing her neck in the large gathering room with the residents when the announcement came on the TV that the Louisiana Nursing Home Association was recommending no visitors. With her facility now on lockdown. I am left to pray for her and her medical providers. If you find yourself in that position, below is a link to a wonderful prayer for Medical Providers that I have been using to guide me. You will find the link below.

My husband is a worship leader at our church. With the no mass gathering mandate, we are all making adjustments to determine the best way to minister to the body of Christ.
 
I have friends who have had major loss of income already as I'm sure many of you are experienceing or expecting.
​
 And so, what will be our response? 
​
 Well, unfortunately, I can tell you I have done a lot of stress eating!
All my favorites – cheese (Havarti with dill) and crackers, ice cream (Jamoca Almond Fudge is my favorite and Ken made a run for me), roasted pecans and peanut butter pretzels. So now you know some of my vices! Miraculously, I managed to resist my temptation to buy my favorite dark chocolate covered almonds in the grocery store yesterday. I almost caved in, but feared I would lose my place in the lines that were extending down the aisles at Trader Joes – a hidden blessing. I was also distracted by the women next to me who had lined her shopping cart with Bellini bottles! I wondered if she having a party? That didn't seem like a good idea.  Was she just totally stressed out about not being able to get toilet paper? That shelf was empty. I had already checked. Don't you wish you had stock in toilet paper?...and hand sanitizer and bottled water? I thought maybe she needed a hug but... keep your distance. As my mind continued to wander I perused the carts in line. Most were filled to the brim. In Louisiana, we are clearly in hurricane coronavirus mode. But several stood in these long lines with just a bouquet of flowers and I wondered... In my distraction, the line had moved forward and it was no longer a possibility to get my dark chocolate covered almonds!
 Ok, this really needs to stop! 

In a much more productive, life-giving way - I have also prayed and searched the Scriptures for direction and wonderful verses of hope. Truly we are in a time of testing, faith, and perseverance. In these days we will come to know the reality of  what or whom we truly trust. 

What could we do with this change in our routines? 

• It is an opportunity to be in earnest prayer for our leaders, those in the health care industry, those who are ill and isolated, the countries that have been so severely hit by the coronavirus, and those affected by loss of work.
• Perhaps families will actually sit down and have meals together rather than picking up fast food as they run from activity to activity. So light a candle and celebrate!
• It can be a time to get creative, to laugh and have fun with your family or a friend. 
• It could be an opportunity for meaningful conversations with those we love, those in isolation, and those who need Jesus. Look for opportunities for deep spiritual conversations that may arise in times like these.
• It can be a time to soak in the Word in personal study.
• This is a  time to sit with our Jesus and let Him calm our fears.

 He is our peace in the storm!
​He is our strength, our hope,
the One in whom we can place our trust.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
Because they trust in you. Isaiah 23:6

We must look for God at work within us and through us. As I write, I look out the window into my backyard and see the family of my backyard neighbors working in the yard together. I have never seen this!

• Instead of constantly scrolling through your media feeds, choose to take some time to read a great spiritual book or listen to wonderful teaching online if your church services are cancelled.
• You could listen to worship music that speaks of God’s truth, proclaims who Jesus is and helps you rest in Him and praise His name.

• Consider taking a long praise walk in the beauty of God’s creation.                       I took a break from writing this afternoon and took a walk in our garden. A year ago we planted a new rose on our arbor. It is called the Peggy Martin (Katrina) rose. This rose got it's name because after the waters receded during Katrina, Peggy Martin and her husband went back to their home, shrimp boat and garden of 450 roses that had been destroyed. Her parents perished in the storm. It seemed they had lost it all.  As they cleared the blackened debris from the flood waters she suddenly spotted a bit of green. Only one rose had survived and it has come to be called the plant of promise. Money from it's cuttings have been raised to restore gardens along the gulf coast. I have waited a year for this rose to bloom and show her glory. It survived the spring floods of last year in our garden that threated to wash her away and now she is a beautiful reminder of promise and hope!

• 
  
• I have put together a spotify playlist entitled God, our Hope to encourage you as you listen and sing along, or  if you are quarantined and can't get out maybe this will help you focus on who God is in the midst of this storm in our lives. You will find the link below.
• Make a list of some productive things you can do in your home if you are stuck there and do them. 
• Take a sabbath break - a rest from technology and focus on Christ. Do something that feels life-giving, fun, creative and restoring to you.
• Be kind, compassionate and prayerful. Be merciful, helpful, loving.
• Ask the Lord to help you to be a reflection of the character of Christ in all of your interactions.

This is a time when we must make our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. We must learn to rest secure in the Truth. There are so many unknowns to this battle. 
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Cor. 10:5
I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
​
There is real loss in the everyday life to which most of us have grown accustomed. Many of you are having to make hard choices and changes in the way you live your life. Anxiety, fear and stress are real issues that many of us are facing. It is difficult to live in the midst of so much that is unknown. We must learn to take our fears, our illusions, our anxiety and our suffering to the One who can give us hope and can lead us and help us persevere. I have been reading through the book of James in the last two months. What a great preparation for these days of testing and trial! 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4

 What we believe about God informs the way we live and the decisions we make.
When we cry out for Jesus, we cry out to the One who holds the answers to our questions because we are seeking the one thing needful. In the depths of our hearts we must know the character of God that alone will sustain us. 
 
When I find myself in a season of being overwhelmed, stressed or in the depths of pain or loss, I need to be reminded of who it is that satisfies the deep longings of my soul. There is a beautiful reading and song that has helped to carry and sustain me through some of the most difficult seasons of my life in the past. It is called Give Me Jesus.
Focusing on the character of Christ settles my heart and it will settle yours. 
 He is Sovereign.
He holds the answers to all our questions, our fears, our hopes and our dreams.
Our hearts desire must be for Jesus. Our greatest delight must be found in Him. 
​
Below is the link to the song and readings of Give Me Jesus that I offered in worship at the end of my teaching at our Restore Winter Gathering. The Readings come from the book Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz and the song is from Give Me Jesus by Fernando Ortego. I didn’t realize how timely these words would be for us in these days just a few weeks later.

Please listen below to these powerful words that proclaim the character, power and hope that we have in Jesus as Savior, Lord and King of Kings!
Link:  https://youtu.be/lg3t_nPHf98​
​
This song and reading is the cry of my heart. 
I pray it will be yours.
​Wash over us Lord Jesus and protect us in your mercy,
Cover us by your grace, and empower us to be vessels of your love.
In these days....Give Me Jesus!
Kathy

https://youtu.be/lg3t_nPHf98
Here are some of the resources mentioned above to help lead and encourage you in these days….

• God, our Hope spotify playlist includes over two hours of songs to help you focus your heart on Jesus and rest in the Sovereignty and goodness of our God as we face the uncertainty of these days. I pray that it will bless you. This list and other similar lists for worship can be found under marykathryndrake on spotify.

Just click the link, then like and follow the playlist to listen.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0C7kryy1Xv0VfdIlVcTqeY?si=wN2c0RMUTuSbxnm_tVKDvw

• The liturgy prayer for Medical Providers from Every Moment Holy by Douglas McKelvey at the link below or order this wonderful book of prayers from the rabbit room press.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59764bcb725e2575438613ad/t/5e6ac2d0b901d42ac2cdd964/1584054992915/Medical+Providers.pdf
​https://rabbitroom.com
Resources: Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz, Fernando Oretego, Images Pinterest

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Romans 8:38-39

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There is still a lingering buzz in the air about the Winter Gathering, a smile on our face, warm feelings of love and appreciation and a few more items to place into storage.  All I can think is, how good God is and how he chooses to pour His lavish love and blessings out on those who diligently seek Him. We had close to 130 women from across five states who were just looking for a place to gather with other women to find solace from the chaos, demands, and busyness of everyday life.  We all chose to seek Christ as our One Thing, this past weekend and He met with us in a mighty way.  Our prayer remains that you continue to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4 Amplified)

What a blessed time together as we truly feasted on the gifts and talents in a wondrous display offered before our Lord and for one another with visual art, music, dance, and teaching God’s Word.  Another beautiful picture of the body of Christ, coming together to help provide an atmosphere of rest, beauty, and worship.  Thank you to all who gave of yourself, your resources, and your time to help make this event special and memorable.  Lives have been changed and transformed forever!  That was our prayer for you from the beginning.  What a precious time it was together lingering on our knees at the feet of Jesus.  

Sometimes the Lord plants the seed of a dream in your heart and then gives you the privilege of seeing it come to life. The Restore Winter Gathering last weekend was the fulfillment of a dream for me and our ministry. We came as women from many different states, churches and backgrounds filled with desire. We chose to seek the Lord and dwell in His presence, and He met us in ways beyond what we could have ever imagined. 
 
It was a beautiful weekend of beholding Jesus as women gathered to hear His heart for us as we studied His Word in the One Thing Scriptures. We brought our offerings of worship as we sang from the depths of our souls to the One who alone is worthy.
 
We beheld His glory in dance proclaiming the power of His Name. We shared communion at the King’s table in remembrance of the sacrifice the Savior made for us. We fellowshipped and feasted with old and new friends. 
 
We saw windows of His beauty and wonder in the gallery of art and live painting by our guest artists. We entered into Scripture through drama as the characters of Mary and Martha were portrayed.
 
We heard words of wisdom from a panel of women as we brought our faith questions about how to make seeking Jesus as our One Thing a reality in our lives. We heard testimony from a Shepherd’s daughter about the love and grace of God that carries us through the deepest pain and struggles.
 
We proclaimed Jesus as the One and Only who could satisfy the deep longings of our souls above the distraction and trappings that often overwhelm us and set our hearts to press on in Jesus Name.
 
We ended our weekend in worship at the feet of Jesus.
 
Our heart is filled with gratitude for the many men and women who gave so generously of their time, talent and resources to make this weekend possible. May the seeds of this dream continue to bear fruit in the days ahead and in the generations represented at our Gathering. Like Mary, anointing the feet of Jesus, may we choose sitting at His feet as the one thing needful in our lives for He is our greatest treasure.

​For those of you who were unable to attend, we are so sorry that you missed being with us.  After the video is edited (this is a lengthy process-prayers appreciated) and photos received, we will make portions of them available to you on our website along with our teaching notes.  Please be sure to take advantage of The One Thing 2019 fall Bible Study to further your study of the One Thing Scriptures.  Visit: https://www.restore-ministries.net and go to The One Thing Home Study tab in the menu.  Enter Password:  1thing!

Currently, we believe that God is laying a few new things on our heart as we minister through Restore.  We covet your prayers as we faithfully seek His will.  We don’t want to rush ahead of Him, drag behind Him, or divert in any direction other than where God guides.  This is how you can join with us.

We are always in such awe of the sweet ways God chooses to bless us.  He often does it through you!  Thank you for attending, for your encouraging words, prayers, and the love you show toward us.  Your radiant faces are a testament to the many ways God met with you last weekend.  Don’t let it stop.  Press On toward the prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ.  Keep seeking and spending time at His feet, trusting Him and obeying.  Let Him be the ONE THING that your heart is set on.  He is the grandest treasure to cherish and adore!  

Above all, we are eternally grateful to our Savior Jesus who poured out His extravagant love and grace on us in such abundance!

To God be the Glory,
Kathy & Sherry

I love preparing for Restore gatherings whether they be home studies, retreats, teas, or large events!  When I say that I love it, what I really mean is that I love the way God chooses to bless my heart through preparation & study of His Word, collaboration between Kathy and I, and the excitement of watching the registrations come through.  Sure, all the little details of running a ministry can be overwhelming at times, but the result of what God does in my life FAR outweighs my contributions!

The act of "seeking" is forward movement for me.  Each year, I try to seek out a word of the year, phrase or sentence, along with a scripture verse to help me stay focused.  The end of December is usually when I begin praying and thinking about the perfect word.  This time, my word came quickly as did the verse.  It was as if God had ordered it up and sent it through Amazon Prime because before I gave much thought, it was already at the door of my heart!

"Fresh" is the word that God revealed!  Interestingly, it actually is anything that relates to fresh.  So this year, 2020, I have fresh vision! I want to seek out fresh everything, including my relationship with the Lord!  This really excites me because I'm a visionary by nature and love the whole brainstorming process along with thoughts of "what could be!"  It's the execution of fresh vision that often slows me down.  I get caught up in research, over ambition, and perfectionism!  I'm my own worst enemy. As I'm sharing my heart and thoughts with you today, I'm reminded again of my 2020 Scripture verse.  I actually giggled out loud when God brought to mind this verse with my word.  It's one that I associate with salvation but, for me this year, it's a reminder that "new" (or fresh) is constantly ahead of me...becoming or being made new.

Are you seeking new and fresh this new year, too?

Maybe you want to declutter EVERYTHING, simplify and bring a little freshness back into your life.  Kathy and I know how hard it is to do this...it's something that we talk about every year and mostly with our home. We believe that we have found what will help make the journey more attainable and we'd like to share it with you February 7 & 8.

We are both super excited to share what God has placed on our heart.  We love you, ladies!  Our thoughts toward you and our prayers for you are handled with much love and care.  It has always been the mission of Restore to provide opportunities to awaken a passion and to restore the deepest yearning to know Christ more intimately.  Our Winter Gathering of Women is designed just for you.  We seek to minister to your heart and spirit, creatively and through the arts.  This weekend will be a feast for your soul as you take in the teaching from God's precious Word, drama, music, dance and visual art.   It is our prayer that you will SEEK to join us in the journey of Seeking The One Thing during our Winter Gathering for Women.  Watch our 1 min. YouTube Promo:  https://youtu.be/hlbRztYln5M               
Seeking Freshness in Christ,
Sherry

Come, invite a friend and come with an expectant heart to savor a feast for your soul!

• Date & Time:  Friday, February 7, 2020 from 6:30pm-9:00pm

                               Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 9:00am-Noon

• Location for this Restore Ministries Event:

                               Community Bible Church
                               8354 Jefferson Hwy.
                               Baton Rouge, LA. 70809

This event is free, but donations to help with the cost are requested.
Please help us spread the word and share this ministry event on your social media. 
​
For more information and to reserve your place by registering online visit the home page of our website www.restore-minstries.net or go ahead and Register using the button below.

It's time to register!!!
We are excited and happy to invite you to join us for our very first Restore Winter Gathering for Women! We have planned a beautiful weekend for you as we explore the “One Thing” phrases in Scripture. 

 Please join us February 7 and 8, 2020 and invite a friend!

Maybe you are looking for a great way to start off in your faith journey this new year, or perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed and fatigued, longing for simplicity!  Haven’t you had the thought, “If I just knew one thing that would bring peace into the chaos of my life, I’d sign up for it!?”

Our heart is to encourage women to seek and behold Christ above all of the chaos that often takes over our lives. We’ll offer an oasis of rest and beauty for those who gather to focus their hearts and minds on Jesus and His Word.  Come and discover the rich truths the Scriptures hold for us as women seeking purpose and wholeness while drawing near in intimacy with Jesus.

It will be a fun weekend of teaching and incorporating all of the arts in worship including original drama, dance, music, poetry and visual art. Walk through the Gallery of Art displayed by local artists and enjoy dessert Friday evening.  Share breakfast and conversation with someone new during our Continental Breakfast on Saturday morning.
 
Invite a friend and come with an expectant heart and savor a feast for your soul!

• Date & Time:  Friday, February 7, 2020 from 6:30pm-9:00pm

                    Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 9:00am-Noon

• Location for this Restore Ministries Event:

                    Community Bible Church
                    8354 Jefferson Hwy.
                    Baton Rouge, LA. 70809

This event is free, but donations to help with the cost are requested.
Please help us spread the word and share this ministry event on your social media. 
​
For more information and to reserve your place by registering online
​ www.restore-ministries.net.
We hope to see you there!
​
 In Christ’s love and by His grace,
    Kathy and Sherry

One little phone call rocked my world.
Just a few hours before, I’d been delighting in the Christmas-in-July displays at the craft store. As surveyed each shelf stocked with red and green nostalgia, I started counting the days until my family’s Christmas celebration.
With one little phone call, all my holiday plans shattered like a shiny green Christmas ornament.
You’re not coming for Christmas?!  And your brother isn’t coming home either?!
I was the kid with the lump of coal in my stocking.
 The Grinch was stealing my Christmas. Instead of hosting a big family gathering, my husband and I would be alone for the holidays.  I mulled over this dilemma. How could I express my disappointment without burning the bridges that would bring my family over the river and through the woods to our house for Christmas?
I vented to my husband, my friend, my sister. Then I talked to the Lord.
Instead of singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” I hummed a different song in my head,
​“All to Jesus I Surrender, I Surrender All.”  

I searched the Bible for verses about surrender, and I was surprised by what I found.  
I found “submit” and “obey,” but “surrender” was only used when one army was defeated by another. Perhaps “surrender” is not the best word to explain what God wants from us. In my mind, “surrender” implies defeat. But yielding our will to God’s will doesn’t mean we're vanquished. We're not losers waving a white flag and surrendering our plans to God. Wecommit our plans.
“Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” Psalm 37:5 ESV
The word which is translated “commit” is the Hebrew “galal,” which means to roll. I needed to roll up my plans and give them to the Lord.
“Galal” is also used in Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.” (ESV)
I discovered additional advice: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ESV
We have hopes and dreams, but God has the final say. He lovingly orchestrates the events of our lives for our good and our growth.  Sometimes our plans are established just as we envisioned them, and sometimes He takes us in a different direction.

As I brought my sadness to the Lord, He reminded me of past disappointments…

the romance that ended…

the job I didn’t get…

goodbyes and rejections…

opportunities missed and treasures lost…

After every loss or unfulfilled desire, God gave me something better… a more loving relationship, a more suitable job, a closer connection to Himself.

Bitter disappointments can usher in God’s sweetest blessings.

But if we cling too tightly to our wish list, we can’t open our arms to receive God’s gifts. Maybe, like me, you’re dealing with disappointment. Let’s remind each other that we’re not defeated! We’re rolling up our wish list and offering it to the Giver of all good things, allowing Him to make changes and improvements for our benefit.
​
As it turned out, God’s plans were even better than mine. My husband and I were not going to be home alone for the holidays. Unexpected opportunities opened up, and we were the ones who would be traveling over the river and through the woods to spend Christmas with those we love.
If you didn’t get exactly what you were hoping for this year, keep your eyes open for a brighter, shinier package with your name on it.         ~Margaret Kemp

Once again, we want to wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Very Happy  beginning to 2020!  
​Just incase you missed our Christmas video last week, it has been posted again here for you to view.
Christmas Video: https://youtu.be/SCInT0uMyBM

Also, remember that Year End Giving to Restore Ministries is a tax deductible contribution and helps to further the visions and goals of this ministry.  We appreciate your partnership through prayer and financial contributions to Restore.  Our hearts are filled with awe and gratitude of the wondrous works that God has planned for us before the foundation of the world!  Thank you!

PS.  Don't forget about our upcoming Winter Gathering of Women February 7 & 8, 2020 (free)!  Registration is required and contributions / sponsorships are appreciated to help cover the cost of the weekend expenses.  Invite your girlfriends!
​
Merry Christmas!
​Kathy Drake & Sherry Barron

We wanted to take a brief moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
This short YouTube video contains some reflections of 2019 and a sneak peek of things to come in 2020!
Please be sure to register for Restore's Winter Gathering February 7, 8.  It is a free event but we ask that you register so that we can be fully prepared for our numbers (desserts, breakfast, and materials).  We will be meeting at Community Bible Church located in Baton Rouge, LA on Friday evening (7th) and then again on Saturday (8th) morning until noon.  We hope that you will make plans to join us!  CLICK HERE for more information.

It is our prayer that this holiday season fills your heart and focus on the tremendous gift of God's love...His son, Jesus!

Please be sure to share this information with your friends and family and you are welcome to repost on social media.  Help us get the word out!