Blessings That Exceed My Prayers

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20, 21, KJV)

That says it all—and best. That’s why I tend to end my prayers with such a benediction.

Today, I can testify that God has blessed me beyond my expectations. Not only today can I now say “I’m 67 years young” but my life is more vibrant than ever. There is no substitute for daily living within His personal will for my life. Even though the choices of others were intended against me, God, in His magnificent love for me and through His divine power, has made all things abound toward me for good.

In early May, I joined a church sister at Uchee Pines Lifestyle Center, as a Level 2 health guest. That she was accepted into two consecutive health sessions, which were closed to new admissions, was miraculous! Each session, a female canceled her reservation! Each time, we were allowed in at last. Only God!

Through the natural healing modalities prescribed to address her specific health challenges, she now walks without her cane. Her insulin dose was decreased. She is at times able to actually see faces and her surroundings. We expect her to fully regain her sight, as she continues the treatments in her new home God miraculously provided. She now lives with a kind Christian family of medical missionaries trained in lifestyle counseling, where she receives total plant-based meals in a lovely rural Christian community.

For that to happen in part, I had to be willing to stay beyond my original commitment. I did. The timing for my family was near perfect for that to even be a consideration. Only God! He orchestrated it all.

In the end, I now am a full-time staff member at the lifestyle center. They had more than a month to quietly observe my work ethic and lifestyle and judge my character. At the same time, I did the same and was convinced I could live and thrive in this community. After an evening of praise, an administrator flat out said to me that I would really fit in if I chose to stay at Uchee. I said that I felt the same! I had been praying, sensing God was doing the unexpected. Who knew that I was at a point where my health, my life, would depend on fully immersing myself in the Uchee lifestyle: living and working and, yes, even walking about an hour a day through the heavily wooded community. Only God!

This week, I received the key to my new home. Not just new to me, it is a brand new dwelling with a serene view of the forest, near the farm, where I can freely help out and receive fresh produce. It is also near the chapel and library and classroom with a piano, where I can visit and research and attempt, once again, to play the piano.

I could go on. But most surprising of all to me is the fact that I have come full circle—back to my childhood region. And God had given me several dreams that were only clear once I was at Uchee Pines. For those of you who are my “home folk”: Yes! I am home. I don’t have my car yet (and may not!). My speed is golf cart speed or walking! 😊 Still, in God’s timing, I will get to visit soon. More urgently, I want to encourage you to seriously consider a vacation to bolster your health. It can extend your life for an eternity, not just your list of hot tourist spots to enjoy for only a season. Pray about it. Let your next vacation be where you can heal physically and spiritually, which will also benefit you emotionally and mentally. Intend to be whole.

Until then, pray that I will remain committed to God to fully use me to share His love in all that I do, whether writing (with limited time opportunities!), publishing daily devotionals (with tech challenges, especially after completely losing the entire post yesterday!), coordinating special health seminars for health professionals or families or anyone interested, proofreading or copy editing books, greeting guests from the lobby desk, answering phone calls, working on the farm (Yay for pulling weeds and planting or harvesting! I am such a country girl!). I love fellowshipping with my new multicultural family of West Islanders, Central and South Americans, Romanians, South Africans and Africans from Cape Verde or Kenya, Koreans, East Indians, and those from the Bahamas and other places I have yet to discover.

I am most thankful for my family, especially my daughter, who “momnapped” me (as she proudly claimed over the past two years). She refused to take me back to South Carolina. But now that she sees God moving as He has since May, she has released me from a most glorious captivity I will always treasure. 🥰💕🙏🏽💕🙏🏽

Today is truly a high Sabbath. Blessed Sabbath, DD family!

Dear Heavenly Father, Your love and plans for our lives are amazing. Please bless each one of us to fully submit to You, to obey Your every command. For in every command is a blessing for which there is not room enough to receive. Enlarge our hearts to serve according to Your will that our lives might reflect Your love, mercy and tender compassion for all. In the wonderful name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

NOTE: These devotionals began as daily texts to encourage my academy roommate and dear friend of nearly 50 years, until she suddenly passed a few weeks ago (Feb 2023). Now I continue to compile and send them to anyone who wants to receive them and to her family in honor of their mom. First, I pray and look for a Bible verse or passage and find a suitable commentary (or vice versa) and add a prayer. Some days, only a Scripture and prayer are ordered. I might even add a song. If you agree to receive them, then this way I not only honor God but the memory of a very dear friend whom I desperately miss. My personal prayer is that God will bless me to find ways to multiply this gift. So please feel free to forward to your loved ones or to anyone, as God leads you. I’m calling them Barb’s Devotionals.