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To this day I can remember where I was and what I was doing when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. And I can remember, not only the news of the airliners flying into the Twin Towers, but where I was and what I was doing.

Where were you on September 11th? Were you eating breakfast in your kitchen as I was, at school or even work? When an event is exciting, spectacular, or horrific in the world, we will always remember where we were and most likely what we were doing.

We will always remember what happened on Ground Zero. Where I was during that shocking morning, will always be burned in my memory. It, in some small way, helps me remember the pain we all felt that day. Many of us ourselves, will face days where our lives are shattered and filled with pain.

Just recently, we have seen the effects of Hurricane Harvey on the lives of thousands in Houston and its surrounding areas. This will always be their Ground Zero.

The Ground Zero of our lives helps us to remember the One who is always with us. God has not left us in this time of sorrow. He brings mercy, compassion and grace. And our heavenly Father will shower us with love that is beyond our understanding!

We still grieve the pain of those families who lost loves ones on September 11th. So on the anniversary of this fateful day, let us pray for each one of them and for our country, the United States of America! We remember the pain and sorrow, but let us look forward to a new tomorrow, and a hope of America in love and unity.

May of us have at least one item we own that gives us great joy. Mine just happens to be my car. It’s a 2014 white Mustang convertible with a black top and black leather interior. I have loved Mustangs all my life and hoped someday I would actually own one.
As much joy as she gives me though, she is not very practical. I have found that only two adults can ride comfortably in her. The back of a Mustang is built for “maybe” two small children, but not for adults.
In life there are always things we think will give us great joy, only to have the Father tell us no. Not everything we love or want or even desire is best for us. The Mustang I love and have always dreamed of owning, is not practical for out of town family trips. I knew she was small, but ignored the obvious because my heart desired her so much! Now I know I should have asked the lord and listened to His voice.
This is true with everything in life. We may desire something so much we forsake all advice. I could even tell you times I have twisted what I heard the Lord say to suit my own desires. But in the end, I have learned a great lesson: check with the Father first and listen with an open ear and heart – always listen!
Do not get me wrong. I still love that little car! But the lesson I learned still rings true in my heart. The very next car I possess will be with the approval of the One who knows what we need.
Being “Still and Knowing He is God” is not always easy. It takes patience and an open heart. I am learning and will continue to learn from all He teaches me!

Today, I want to share a sweet story with you. A young woman had just lost her 6 year old son and was one her way home from his service. The young boy used to collect pennies and had done this for several years. On pulling into the driveway, she saw several pennies lying on the ground by the front door. She had not seen them there before. And upon entering the house, she noticed even more pennies that led her straight to his bedroom. She began to cry and thank God for His presence, feeling this was a sign specifically meant for her.

Now, every time I find a penny,  I feel it is God letting me know He is there. I find them everywhere and in the oddest places.

Yesterday, in my Be Still and Known Time, I heard the Lord tell me to pull out the pennies in my wallet and look at them. It was like He was saying, “Margi, what do you see?” Well I saw dates and the side view of Abraham Lincoln. But I also saw the inscription: IN GOD WE TRUST. Then He asked me how much a penny is worth. I knew that it wasn’t much – just one little cent.

You see, in that penny find – that little penny – was His hand, saying to me and to all of us: I am concerned even about the smallest things in your life – even to the smallest details! And I will be there!

So remember, the next time you reach down and find a penny on the ground – know God is there. He can be trusted – even in the smallest of smalls in your life!

On a day like any other day, over 2,000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God, was beaten and mocked.  THEN He was crucified – and how did He respond?  Father forgive them for they know not what they do.  He said this at His own crucifixion, and He says it today:  Father forgive them.

He was beaten beyond belief, He was mocked and yet He still said, Father forgive them.  His words ring in our ear as we enjoy the fruit of His crucifixion, forgiveness, and union once again with our Heavenly Father.

With His death, our lives, for those who believe, are now written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Because of what He went through, we are set free from guilt and made white by the blood of the Lamb.

Today, He still says Father forgive them.  We can walk in His forgiveness because of the blood of Jesus shed on that cross.  He was wounded for our transgressions and was bruised for our iniquities, and He still says Father forgive them!

Upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole and by His stripes we are healed.  So today, remember always His words – words of acceptance, words of healing, words of love – for these words are yours – FATHER FORGIVE THEM!

Valentine’s Day – This is the time of year when a great deal of attention is put on the word love.  We are all full of high hopes and great expectations for that special day! The word love is displayed in cards, candy and flowers – maybe even a special night out on the town.  Yet, in the midst of this occasion and all this world displays it to be, many lose sight of one very important aspect – the word love.

 Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it i not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Husbands and wives, even our children want to feel the joy and presence of true love in their lives.  In turn, we all want to give love in huge ways and this day is a great time for it.  But, we need to realize there is more power in the small acts of love given throughout the year!

Just a moment of patience with a small child, a simple kindness to a stranger or even one small selfless act of love is worth more than all the candy and flowers in the world!  Sometimes letting all be done in love may seem like an impossibility and it is, if Jesus is not in each gesture.  For only with Jesus is love truly manifested!

In your Be Still and Know time today, Ask Him to be  present in your giving this Valentine’s Day.  Ask Him to guide you in small acts of love throughout the year.  Then begin to see changes in your relationships and even the changes in you!