Tag: Freedom

I Will

Today’s a new day! In the quiet of the morning, I’ll find my place,

I will open up my Bible, and let God’s love take its space.

I’ll pour out my heart, on the pages worn,

And listen for the whispers, that only He can speak. 

I’ll journal my thoughts, my fears, my doubts,

And let the truth of scripture, shine like a beacon bright and loud.

I will pray, with a humble heart,

And let God’s presence, heal every part.

In the stillness, He’ll restore my soul,

And breathe new life, into my heart that’s grown old.

I’ll sit with God, and let love abide,

And in His presence, I’ll find my heart’s inside.

With every word, with every breath,

I’ll seek His face, and find my peace.

I will trust, I will obey,

And in His love, I’ll find my way. ~OC

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In The Pause

Today’s a new day! In the midst of chaos and noise, it’s easy to get lost in the turmoil. But what if the secret to finding peace and clarity lies in the pause? The Bible reminds us that the Holy Spirit is always present, even in the quietest moments.

In the stillness, I hear Your voice

A gentle whisper, a soothing choice

The Holy Spirit guides me through the night

Leading me to peace, and a heart that’s light

When the world’s loud voice tries to take control

I find solace in the Holy Spirit’s soul

In the pause, I breathe and reflect

Finding calm, and a heart that’s correct

The Holy Spirit’s presence is my peace

A comfort that never leaves, a love that won’t cease

In the silence, I connect with God

And find my strength, in the quiet nod

So I’ll stay in the pause, and listen with care

For the Holy Spirit’s whisper, that’s always there

In the stillness, I’ll find my way

And let God’s love, guide me through each day ~OC

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Lessons Being Learned

Today’s a new day! Here are four things that God has been showing me over the past few months. I guess God wanted to remind me of His love, care and purpose for me, even in the midst of this health journey. I pray they encourage you. 

I Am Precious In God’s Eyes:

Isaiah 43: 4 says, ‘You are precious and honoured in my sight, and … I love you.’

As my body and mind continues to be an issue, I need to remind myself continually that God loves me for who I am not what I can do. The Lord has chosen me to be his treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:2) and I am still precious to him despite my illness. He knows what he is doing and he is good.

If you are feeling that you have no purpose, the Lord wants to tell you differently. He wants you to know that your purpose is being his child, not what you are able to do.

I Am Blessed:

As I continue to walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, I have periods of sadness,  as I mourn the things I am no longer capable of doing. Some days are harder than others and I feel helpless and upset that I am a burden on Laura and others. Yet, God promises that if I lean on him and trust him, he will give me the strength that I need.

I need to ask God daily to help me remember my blessings. I have so much to be thankful for. Each day is a gift to enjoy being with Laura and friends making memories. I cannot allow myself to constantly be distracted by those friends who have decided to walk away, for whatever reason. 

I am reminded that God’s word says that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17) and I have been able to find much pleasure in the everyday things around me that I had not noticed before.

When you have a serious illness your world becomes much smaller, but in God’s grace even that can be a blessing. God has opened my eyes to see the little things in life and I can pray about them. I have time to see God answering those prayers and to see how he is interested in the tiny little details of our lives. Sometimes, living in the moment is a real privilege. I don’t need to worry about earning money or running a house because I have to trust that God will give others the strength and wisdom to do that. I know I can trust God in the big things because I can see him working in the little things.

I Am Useful:

It has been very hard not being able to get to church services and have fellowship with people. Zoom, text and phone calls are great but they aren’t the real thing. Often, although I know people pray for me and love me from afar, it can feel very lonely away from the church and everyday life. Yet, wherever I am,  I am still part of God’s family. I am still part of life. I really value people visiting and telling me what God is doing in their lives. It is good to be able to serve the Lord by praying for them and with them.

I can encourage others just by continuing to walk out this health journey, and let people see how He continues to move in the midst of the storm. I continue to learn that you don’t always need to be cheerful and smiling to be an encourager. Just sharing your life and your struggles and letting others see how God sustains you even in the midst of pain and darkness can be an encouragement. God continues to show me that Christian fellowship is about sharing your life with others, the ups, the downs, the differences and the bits in between. True fellowship is precious and points us  to Heaven.

Each day I ask God to help me to be content and to make life as easy as possible for those around me. There are times when I struggle with not being fully involved in daily life, but I know life needs to go on around me. I am still a husband, son, friend and I pray that God will make me the best one I can be.

I Am Being Made New:

I continue to learn that God is bigger than all of my health issues. He is good and his ways are perfect. I sometimes wonder why I am here after all these years, but while He allows me to continue living, I know that he will give me the strength to shine for him. I am reminded almost daily, even a weak and tiny flame can bring much light to a darkened room.

Guess what? God doesn’t see my body as decaying. No, my body is being changed for good and when God sees me as ready, he will take me to be with him, forever. I know that I am more than my illness, I am a child of God and I am loved.

Some days, the enemy tries to put fear in my heart. But on those days, I lean on the words of Psalm 23, which states, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.” I know that God will give me the strength to keep going until he calls me home. I continue to learn not to worry about tomorrow, but to be thankful and trust him for today. God knows what is coming and he will be with me when it comes.

I want to encourage you, in whatever storm you might find yourself walking through, that you are precious to the Lord and he will never leave you nor forsake you. ~OC

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Blinders

Today’s a new day! Jesus will not be used, not by false teachers or false ideology

He’s not a trophy to be won, not a prize to be claimed

He’s the Shepherd, searching for the lost, healing the broken

Not cheering on those in power, playing games with people’s lives

You’re trying to fit Him into your politics, your agenda

But He’s the one who’s calling, “Come to me, all you weary”

He’s not pleased with those who use His name

To justify their power, their pride, their prejudice

You’ve hitched your wagon to a politician, a political party

Thinking it’s winning, but it’s leading you astray

Your political agenda’s blinding you, can’t see the truth

God’s love is for everyone, not just those who fit your mold

Dear Pastors , you’re accountable for the lost souls, the ones who never see

The love of God, the light of Heaven

You think you’re winning, but at what cost?

When the broken are still hurting, and the lost are still lost

Time to take off your blinders, see God’s truth

He’s not a Republican or Democrat, He’s love

He’s not a winner of elections, He’s the King of hearts

He’s calling you to love, to serve, to give, not to side with an Elephant or Donkey 

Don’t let your politics, your ideology, be the filter

Through which you see God, through which you love others

Jesus is clear: love God, love your neighbor

Not a political statement, but a love revolution

So, Dear Christian, Dear Church, it’s time to wake up

Time to see the faces, the names, the stories

Of those you’ve left behind, those you’ve hurt

Jesus is weeping, “I was hungry, thirsty, naked, alone”

Will you answer, “Lord, I was blind, but now I see”?

Or will you keep chasing the wind, the power, the fame?

Choose love, choose God, choose the narrow way

Before it’s too late, before the curtain closes. ~OC

****To hear the spoken word go to my YouTube page at Todd E. Shoemaker Music

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Not So Different

Today’s a new day, as I continue to walk this crazy beautiful health journey, my body continues to decline and time is limited

but, a beautiful thing as happened along the way, 

These days, I truly see people for who they really are, 

just folks trying to make it in life like me,

Trying to live in peace, with hope and a chance to dream

In hospitals and waiting rooms, I meet strangers not by chance, but I believe by divine appointments, 

And though our stories differ, our hearts beat with the same dance

We’re all searching for hope, for healing and for peace

And in our shared humanity, our differences release

We’re not so different, you and me

We’re both just trying to live a life full of hopes and dreams, 

We’re all just trying to make our way

Through the noise, through the fray

But still we divide, we separate and we fight

Over opinions and beliefs, we draw lines in the sand,

We let our differences define us, we let them tear us apart

And in the process, we lose the beauty of the human heart

We forget that we’re all in this together, we’re all on the same team

We’re all just trying to live, to love, to dream

We’re all just trying to make a way, to find our place in this world

And in our shared struggles, our hearts can expand 

We’re not so different, you and me

We’re both just trying to live a life full of hopes and dreams,

We’re all just trying to make our way

Through the noise, through the fray

So let’s sit down, let’s talk, let’s share our stories and our fears

Let’s find common ground, let’s wipe away our tears

Let’s look beyond our differences, let’s see the humanity in each other’s eyes

And let’s remember that we’re all in this together, we’re all on the same side

We’re not Us versus Them, we’re just Us, trying to make our way

Through the ups and downs, through the darkness and the gray

We’re all just trying to live, to love, to be

And in our shared humanity, we can find unity.

My hope is that we can learn to see

Beyond the surface level, beyond you and me

My hope is that we can find a way

To come together, to seize the day

To put aside our differences, to lay down our pride

To look into each other’s eyes, and see the other side

To find the common ground, to find the love we share

And to live together, with hearts that truly care. ~OC

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New Year’s Prayer

Dear God,

As we start a brand new year, we come before you with hearts full of hope and minds full of dreams. We pray for a world where love conquers fear, kindness triumphs over cruelty, and compassion heals the wounds of division.

May this year bring us closer to your vision of peace, justice, and harmony. May we strive to be the change we wish to see, to lift each other up, and to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

May our leaders be guided by wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to the common good. May our communities be strengthened by diversity, and a spirit of belonging.

May this year bring us joy, laughter, and adventure. May we find happiness in the simple things, and may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the blessings we enjoy.

And when the road ahead seems uncertain, may we draw strength from your promise to be with us always. May we trust in your goodness, your mercy, and your love.

In the spirit of hope and renewal, we offer this prayer, dear God. May your will be done, and may your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven….Amen ~OC

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The Week Ahead

Good morning family and friends.The next few weeks are busy.

Monday: Two Medical Appointments

Tuesday: Having a new port put in.

Thursday: Traveling to Plains, GA for my birthday celebration.

Thursday 12/11: Starting outpatient treatments.

Continuing to pray for each of you. ~OC

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The Journey

Today’s a new day! Reflecting on my health journey, I’m reminded of the twists and turns that have shaped me into who I am today. It’s been a winding road, filled with ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve felt God’s presence guiding me every step of the way. The rough roads have taught me resilience, the detours have shown me new paths, and the smooth roads have given me peace. I’m grateful for this journey, and I trust that God will continue to lead me forward, even when the road ahead is uncertain. ~OC

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The Journey

Today’s a new day! Reflecting on my health journey, I’m reminded of the twists and turns that have shaped me into who I am today. It’s been a winding road, filled with ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve felt God’s presence guiding me every step of the way. The rough roads have taught me resilience, the detours have shown me new paths, and the smooth roads have given me peace. I’m grateful for this journey, and I trust that God will continue to lead me forward, even when the road ahead is uncertain. ~OC

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Conversations With God

Today’s a new day! This morning, I had one of those early morning conversations with God…I have to say, those early morning talks have been a game changer during this crazy beautiful health journey. God has helped me make the choice to not dwell on the “Why me?” during this journey. Instead, I’ve asked, “God, how can you use me as I walk out this journey?” That’s not always easy, but I truly believe it’s made all the difference. My health issues don’t define me – my faith does. To anyone walking through tough moments, I pray you’ll make the hard choice to focus on the possibilities instead of getting stuck in the “why.” You are capable of more than you think #faithoverfear #possibilities #hope ~OC

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