Posted by: Administrator | September 9, 2026

Faithful Workmanship

Faithful Workmanship
by Brenda D Flowers

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV)

…, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in You will complete it. (Phil 1: 6, NKJV)

On August 26, 2026, Dolly Parton, transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly Home. Like so many people here in Tennessee, in the United States and in the world, I miss her presence here on earth. Yet, as a fellow Christian, I look forward to our eternal future in heaven together.

What a joy it will be to meet Dolly and so many others in the faith who have gone home to glory.

I never had the opportunity to meet Dolly while living in Tennessee, but I did pass her Brentwood home on Crockett Road quite frequently when traveling from my home in East Brentwood to the Cool Springs shopping area. I didn’t know Dolly personally but I was impacted by her testimony of faith, her work ethic and her loving generosity.

Since Dolly’s passing, like many people, I have learned more of her life story and I am convinced that she lived out the life scroll or destiny God had prepared for her.

Her caring for children and recognizing the value of each human soul are beautiful examples of God’s workmanship in her. She also allowed God to take the hurt of not being able to have children to turn it into a blessing as she touched millions of children with the books shared through her Imagination Library outreach. (www.imaginationlibrary.com)

Recently, I learned that Dolly had spoken at a commencement service at the University of Tennessee on May 8, 2009. That caught my attention because my husband earned his Master’s degree from U.T. I listened to the recording of her commencement address on YouTube and was touched by Dolly’s humility and the wisdom she shared. It would be worth your time to listen to the key points she shared.

I noticed Dolly mentioned how she counted her blessings. She testified how her loving mother had read the Bible to her at a young age and had instilled a love of learning. It was interesting how Dolly described her God core, that special place inside of her where heaven and earth meets. Dolly was not ashamed to share her faith. She challenged the graduating students to live faithfully.

This past Monday, September 7th, was Labor Day and September 8th was my birthday. I believe God has been faithful to help me in the work He has called me to do. On both of these days, I took time to thank God for my many blessings and for using me to teach children. I love spending time with Him and I’m thankful for the way He speaks to me.

As a young child, I didn’t stand behind a stick with a tin can mounted on it singing to an audience of chickens like Dolly shared in her commencement address, but I did play “school” on many occasions. It’s interesting that I always had a love of learning and by the time I was in 5th grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. That was my dream.

I did go on to get an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Art and a Masters Degree in Special Education. I felt called to teach. I believe that was God’s workmanship in me. I was blessed to teach in public schools for thirty-five years. As a Christian teacher in a public elementary school, I pray I impacted my students with lovingkindness and care. I tried to instill a love of learning.

Like Dolly, I liked to read aloud the classic book, The Little Engine that Could, by Watty Piper, originally published in 1930. I wanted my students, many who had special needs, to know they could learn. I also wanted them to know they were loved and treasured.

Also like Dolly, I don’t really see myself retiring. During the school year, I volunteer to teach preschoolers. And I love investing time in the lives of my five grandsons.

Each day, I try to spend time reading God’s Word because I want to know God more and more and I want to do His will. I am trusting God to complete His work in me. He is faithful!

Meditate with me on the fact that God has eternal purposeful work prepared for us who truly trust Him and revere His name. Think deeply about that.

One day, I’d like to sing these word of praise, “Glory to His Name, Oh, Holy Holy” with Dolly and you. (words from Dolly’s song, “The Golden Streets of Glory,” originally released in 1970.)

Let’s join together in praise recognizing God’s faithful workmanship in our lives

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Posted by: judyhitson | August 17, 2026

Faithful Living

Faithful Living
by Judy Hitson

Col. 3:2 Amplified Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].

As I reflect on this verse in the Amplified version, I am convicted of my need for the Holy Spirit to bring life changes in my life.

In other translations this verse simply says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

In the Amplified version, it is the phrase, “keep focused habitually on the things above,” that grips my heart.

God promises that no temptation has overtaken us except is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that we may be able to bear it. (see 1 Cor. 10:13)

As I thought about this, it came to mind of prophets who saw the Lord sitting on the throne.

 I said, “I would like to see You, Lord.”

I heard, “Spend more time with Me and you will see Me.”

Immediately, my heart was convicted of my guilty pleasure of watching reality TV. As I struggled with the thought that I am watching too much TV, I recalled a Berenstain Bears book for children, Too Much TV.

The Lord encouraged me that I have been weaning from this habit, watching less programs during the day. My need now is to spend more time with Him in the latter part of the day. Perhaps reading a Godly book or spending time in worship and God’s Word followed by two-way journaling which I learned through Mark Virkler’s teaching on 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice.

In the morning, I read the Bible, God’s Word, and spend time in prayer. This has been a daily practice in my life many years to start my day with Quiet Time.

Faithful living is a God-honoring life.

When I walk and live in the Spirit, I experience a deep love relationship with God. It brings contentment and a grateful heart more than earthly desires.

Matthew 6:33 comes to mind, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit, help me balance the temporal and eternal things in my life. Amen.

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Posted by: Administrator | August 3, 2026

Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

by Brenda D. Flowers

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13,NKJV)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

During a recent Bible study time, I was reading an online devotional on the YouVersion Bible App entitled, “Pursue What Matters”. As I was reading, these words caught my attention,

“Right now, take a moment to thank God for what He’s already done for you. Reflect on his faithfulness, and recount the stories you have seen and heard of his wonderful power.”

To remember this quote, I quickly jotted it down in my journal so I could share it with you.

I believe this statement is a good summary of what we have been intentionally doing this year as we have been spending time together, meditating on God’s faithfulness and thanking Him for His intervention in our lives.

God is Faithful! His nature is faithfulness.

As we reflect, by spending intentional time reading Scriptures, thinking about who God is and what He has done, He transforms our minds and we become more like Jesus. As the Bible says, our minds and hearts are transformed.

Not long after I wrote down the above quote, a Christian friend of mine “happened” to send me a link to the testimony of a Christian doctor who had been studying old and recent brain research. The doctor shared how several brain studies have proved and are in the process of proving what the Bible has said. Not only are our lives impacted spiritually in a positive way by reflecting on God’s Word and praying in confidence trusting God’s faithfulness, but also our physical brains are impacted in a transformative way.

I love how scientific research, when done with integrity seeking truth,  proves God’s Word.

There are many benefits we receive from spending time with God, trusting His faithfulness.

The word, reflect, has many meanings. When we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we are drawing closer to God and allowing Him to conform us into His image. We intentionally focus on all aspects of His faithfulness.

Throughout Revelation (the last book of the Bible), we are challenged to be faithful and true, just as Jesus is Faithful and True.

We are assured that God’s Spirit is at work within us and He helps us to mature in Christ as we trust Him in faith. What a wonderful promise!

I pray this week we will intentionally prioritize time alone with God. May we realize the many ways He wants to bless us as we reflect on His faithfulness.

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Posted by: judyhitson | July 20, 2026

Faithful Servant

Faithful Servant
by Judy Hitson

Matt. 25:21 NLT The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!

Here is a prayer and Bible verse that deeply touched my heart in the early days as a widow:

Heavenly Father, knowing You’ve already given me all I need to be Your true and faithful servant, help me begin this day with a mind focused on Your will for my life; and a heart bursting with gratitude for Your blessings.

Ps. 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.”

Praying this prayer and Scripture in the morning gives me peace in Christ and draws me close to Him. I trust the Lord will guide me in ways to serve Him as a faithful servant in this season of my life.

I am sad that I cut this prayer and verse out from a ministry mailing and have no idea of the ministry to give credit.

My oldest son shared about his family’s recent move. They have a multi-generational home living with his wife, college age daughter and our daughter-in-law’s parents. Her father was a former pastor of a local church. Some of the parishioners helped them clean the house and yard before the move. This was a tremendous help. It brought to mind the morning prayer written above. What a special blessing these faithful servants bestowed upon our son’s family to come alongside them in their time of need.

This also brings to mind how helpful our children have been. They agreed to take turns staying with me, not wanting me to be alone as a recent widow. They too have been faithful servants as the Lord speaks of in His word. He came not to be served but to serve. See Matt. 20:28.

Though I am up in my years, the desire of my heart is to be a faithful servant of the Lord’s. Unable to do hard, manual labor, like lifting heavy furniture or the like, I trust the Lord to reveal ways for me to serve Him in the body of Christ. He tells us to do all as unto Him.
See Col. 3:23-24.

As the prayer I shared says, may I begin each day focused on God’s will for my life with a heart of gratitude for His many blessings. My trust is in the Lord to show me the way to go and lift my soul to Him.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, first for Your example as a faithful servant and for your faithful servants in the body of Christ. Lead me, Lord, day by day, to be about Your will on earth. Amen.

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Posted by: Administrator | July 6, 2026

Faithful in the Stillness

Faithful in the Stillness
by Brenda D. Flowers

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)

“Be still.” These simple words are hand stamped on a vintage silver plated teaspoon  (@GracefullySaidDesign) my daughter gave me after our vacation trip to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at the end of June this year (2026). I knew she had purchased it at a craft fair in Calabash, North Carolina on the morning she and I had visited my sister.

   As I read the words, I thought about how one of our pastors at church the Sunday the week after we had returned from vacation had challenged our congregation to intentionally devote some time to being still. He reminded us of the importance of this practice of taking time to be still and quiet, waiting and listening to God.

    After church that same Sunday, I shared with my pastor how God had been teaching me to be still and to wait on Him. I shared how I had experienced God’s faithfulness and presence in a new way that same week when I had to be very still while going through daily radiation treatments. These treatments were recommended to help prevent the reoccurrence of breast cancer.

   For some people, this type of procedure could cause anxiousness or fear. But God had assured me of His care and had given me His peace. While going through each procedure, I had to lay very still on my back with my arms straight up. My right hand held onto a bar at the top of the table and my left hand held my right hand. 

   To stay still, I prayed, intentionally focused on Jesus and listened to what He was saying to me. As I rested during each procedure, I felt as though God was telling me that He was there holding my right hand and He was guiding the medical staff.  He  assured me He was with me, giving me His strength in my recovery process. I knew He had died on the cross for my healing. After each procedure, I tried to testify of God’s loving care and thanked the medical team for their service.

   After the procedures during times of rest, God reminded me of other times of stillness I have had with Him, admiring His creation. Memories of mountain top experiences, looking out over beautiful peaceful valleys came to mind.

This summer, I have experienced God’s faithfulness and presence in deeper ways through my experiences of stillness with Him.

God has been faithful to help me to know Him better in the still times I have had with Him. I trust He will do the same for you as you seek Him, the one true God. Whether you are on a mountaintop or in a valley, He is waiting to commune with you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for what you are teaching me in my times of stillness with You. I pray that these words I have shared will exalt Your great name and touch people in many nations as Your word says. Thank You for showing me Your amazing love and care. Your Spirit comforts me. In Jesus’s mighty name I pray. Amen

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Posted by: judyhitson | June 22, 2026

Faithful Counsel

Faithful Counsel
by Judy Hitson

Is. 25:2 NKJV O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You; I will praise Your name; for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

As I write this devotional, it is with sadness to share my husband of 60 years passed away two weeks ago today. Yet it is with joy I share, knowing he is absent from the body and present with the Lord, 2 Cor. 5:8.

Now looking to the Lord for His faithful counsel, I am assured His advice will guide me in this season of life. He is Wonderful Counselor, Is. 9:6. With thanksgiving and praise, I focus on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith, from Heb. 12:2. He will lead me in His ways until He comes. May I hear His voice and follow Him day by day, even moment by moment.

Some women who lost their husbands shared that initially there was a lot of paper work to do. It seems overwhelming right now with many phone calls to make and in person appointments to plan to clear business matters. For example, who needs the death certificates I received from the funeral home and how do I settle matters for spouse benefits? An immediate concern is my husband’s pension cut off and waiting for my portion to live on in daily life. One widow, whose husband worked with the VA, said it took three months until she received her spouse benefits. With that in mind, putting funds in the regular checking account is a necessity to pay bills and handle regular expenses. Jack outlived his life insurance but praise God that a portion of his career benefits will be available for me to carry on as a widow.

With the Lord as my first love, I know He will show me the way to go. My trust is in Him with all my heart. I refuse to lean on my own understanding and in all my ways I will acknowledge Him, knowing He will direct my path as He promises in Pr. 3:5-6.

My faith is in Jesus Christ, my Lord, my God, my life, my all.

With sadness and joy, I choose to follow the Lord. As He leads me with His faithful counsel, I can be at peace with Him.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ name by Your Spirit giving me life to live Christ. Thank You that Jack is with You in heaven, Lord, and that You are with me on earth. Amen.   

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Posted by: judyhitson | June 8, 2026

You Have Been Faithful

You Have Been Faithful
by Brenda D. Flowers

Are there songs in your life whose words speak to you in a special way or say the words you want to say? Over my lifetime, there have been several praise songs I have heard in church or on Christian radio that have resonated deep within me. When I hear them, I want to join in worship singing the words sincerely, coming from my heart.

 One of these praise songs that has touched me in this way in recent years is the song, “Goodness of God”. The lyrics of the chorus speak what I want to say to God to honor Him:

 “… all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

In doing on-line research regarding this song, I discovered it was first released in 2019 as part of the Bethel Music’s live album, Victory, featuring Jenn Johnson. Cece Winans also recorded a rendition of this song on her live album, Believe for It, released in 2021.

This year (2026), our blog posts have centered on the theme of faithfulness. I love the way God is faithful to speak to me through the words of anointed songs.

 My husband, three of our grandsons and I were in Cody, Wyoming a week ago this month (June, 2026), when I heard this song, “Goodness of God”, being sung by the worship leader of a small church we were visiting, my eyes teared up as I thought about God’s faithfulness to me.

All my life, I had wanted to go out west on a road trip to Yellowstone National Park to see the beauty of God’s creation in that part of our wonderful country. But honestly, I did not think I would ever get that opportunity. As the chorus rang in this little church, I realized how God had been faithful to fulfill my dream. That afternoon, my family and I were returning to Yellowstone. We were blessed to spend two and a half days exploring this magnificent park, the first national park of the United States of America.

Now, I am back from my road trip, thinking again about God’s faithfulness to me. As I traveled west through the various states from Tennessee to Wyoming and back, I realized even more God’s faithfulness not only to me but to America. What a beautiful country America is! When I saw the vast array of landscapes and read the history about how many faithful people were instrumental in building and protecting our country, I was impacted even more how God had blessed my beloved country.

Now when I sing the words to the song, “Goodness of God”, my praise will resound with an extra depth of understanding.

Yes, Lord, “Your goodness is following after me” and I want people to know how faithful You are. Praise You, God, for giving me the opportunity to see even more of Your magnificent creation and for the opportunity to see Your faithfulness in greater depths. May my songs of praise and the praises of fellow followers of Christ give You the honor You deserve. Amen

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Posted by: judyhitson | May 18, 2026

Faithful Gratitude

Faithful Gratitude
by Judy Hitson

Ephesians 5:20 NKJV giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A visiting pastor’s wife spoke at our church several years ago that made a deep impression on my heart. She challenged us to start each day with five things we are thankful for to develop a spirit of gratitude. If nothing comes to mind, she said, be thankful you can breathe, walk, talk, hear, etc.

At that time, I struggled with nagging and complaining. For sure, I was convicted of my sin and saw my need to confess my sin and choose to walk in repentance for a changed mind, changed heart and changed life. Praise God for His marvelous ways to persuade us to walk in His ways by the Spirit, experience victory in Jesus and refuse defeat walking in our fleshly ways. 

Yes, let us be faithful to thank God for simple, yet profound, important, needful things in our lives we may take for granted. This practice stamps out negativity. For me, it brings a smile to my face before the Lord, grateful for His many blessings and the victory we have in Christ Jesus.

1 Thess. 5:18 NKJV in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

That is in all circumstances and as our key verse says, “giving thanks always for all things,” We may wonder why God would say that or what we have to learn. Why would we be thankful, for example, in or for difficult trials in our lives? In those times, God is developing our character to be more like Jesus who endured the cross, Heb. 12:2. We are called to follow Him, to walk in His steps

After receiving the challenge to start my days by finding five things I’m thankful for, I prayerfully considered it. Then came the realization of the mighty things God has done in my life. I can say I have faithful gratitude for my salvation, deliverance, healing, provisions, intimate relationship with Christ by His Spirit giving me life and community in Christ with fellow believers day by day.

The Doxology comes to mind at this time of gratitude:

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

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Posted by: Administrator | May 6, 2026

Faithful Peace Giver

Faithful Peace Giver
by Brenda D. Flowers

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
(Isaiah 26:3, NKJV)

“Are you sitting down? Is this a good time to talk?” These were the first words I heard from the nurse who was about to share the results of my breast biopsy.

If you have ever heard these or similar words from a nurse who is about to share medical test results, then you can probably relate to how I was feeling in those first moments of hearing her words. I immediately knew the results being shared were not the results I wanted to hear, “invasive ductal carcinoma”,  breast cancer. Yet, as I listened to those words, although I knew there would be challenges ahead, I suddenly felt a tremendous peace wash over me.

The afternoon I heard those words, I had spent time in Bible study and prayer. I had started my day focusing on Jesus and seeking God’s will. So as I heard these words, it was like my mind was already prepared. God was giving me His promised peace.

God has been faithful in His promise of giving peace throughout my life especially when I have faced difficult circumstances.

These are some of my favorite Scriptures where God tells me He is with me helping me have peace:

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15, NKJV)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, NKJV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4: 6-7, NIV)

What I have discovered is God even helps me when I am struggling to not be anxious. His Holy Spirit truly comforts me.

As I am writing this devotional, I know that tomorrow at 5:30 a.m., I am to be at the hospital which is 30 minutes away to have a lumpectomy and lymph node surgery. As I await the upcoming surgery, I could be feeling very anxious or fearful, but honestly, I am not.

I praise God for His peace that passes all understanding!

Heavenly Father, You have been so faithful to me over my lifetime. Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to save, heal and deliver me and all humanity from the bondage of sin, sickness and death. Thank You for giving us who believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord., Your Holy Spirit to comfort and care for us. I trust You with tomorrow’s surgery and the upcoming healing journey. I trust You, Faithful God, with all the days of my life. What a wonderful Faithful Peace Giver You are! Amen

This prayer,  as is recorded in 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NKJV), is my prayer for you who read our blog posts:

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. In Jesus’s mighty name I pray. Amen

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Posted by: judyhitson | April 20, 2026

Faithful Friend

Faithful Friend
by Judy Hitson

Pr. 27:6a AMP Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern],…

The words in this key verse hit to the core of my heart as I reflect on a precious sister in Christ who discipled me as a young born again Christian over 40 years ago. I first met her in her home where I was invited to a Precept Bible Study, another friend of mine was leading. In those days, there were many changes in my life coming from a legalistic background of Christianity. That is, I knew about Christ but I did not know Him in a personal relationship. Following rules and regulations of my former denomination, I thought I was a Christian. I believed Jesus Christ was the Savior of the world, but when asked if He was my personal Savior, I couldn’t say that until I received the Holy Spirit at my second birth.

From that time forward, God blessed me with women in prayer groups and Bible studies who poured God’s Word and ways into my life.  

The faithful friend I’m writing about was amazing to come alongside me on a regular basis with phone calls and visits. She was a woman of the Word and would share Bible verses that hit to the core of my being with issues that came up in my life. I would share my personal struggles as a wife, mother, nurse, etc. and somehow God impressed her with His word that applied to the very struggle I was having at the time.

She had a servant heart that reminded me of Jesus and I saw Christ in her the hope of glory as we see in Col. 1:27. Here are a couple examples I’ll share: I remember a time at home with a sick child, my faithful friend called to see how I was doing. In tears, I explained my situation with a sick child and needing to make a doctor’s appointment but didn’t know if I could handle it with three young children. She dropped what her plans were for the day and came to help me. Another time, it was 2 A.M. when I was in labor with my fifth child. My husband was out of town to be with his mother in the hospital. My faithful friend agreed if I went into labor while my husband was gone, that she would take me to the hospital and she did.

Now as our verse says, Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], I think of the following example. It is vivid in my mind today. A friend of my husband and me got us a bronze statue of a naked man and woman embracing. I saw this as a beautiful work of art. My faithful friend had been praying with me about marriage and family at that time. When she saw the statue she said, “It might be good to get rid of that statue. It could be a temptation for your husband and is not a holy object for your children to see.” Ouch! I had been reading in the Bible about things to utterly destroy and sensed the Holy Spirit nudged me of old things in our home to destroy. The statue was one of them. My faithful friend was a blessing to correct me out of love and concern as Pr. 27:6 says.

Closing Prayer: Thank You Lord Jesus for faithful friends on earth and for You as our Best Friend. Amen. 

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