Dear family of God,

   Before it gets too late in the evening, I wanted to thank you first of all for taking time to let me share my Heartstrings with you. I pray that it is a source of encouragement and also a challenge to apply the Word of God to each of our lives.

   Today was busy but good. After sitting in the dentist chair and getting a tooth fixed I was so happy that I could pay the bill! I told the receptionist that God has supplied. It was just a moment, a few words. Maybe enough to turn her thoughts to Him.

   Where ever we went today I was able to express my belief in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gave me the opening and I took it! Who knows when will be our last opportunity? As time moves forward I feel more convinced that each appointment, short or long, is a chance for seed planting. Spreading that salt around. Being the Light God wants us to shine before others.

   Have you taken the time? Or walked away and felt that tugging regret that you didn't speak up? I love obeying the leading of the Lord. It never matters what we can say or do, but what God is saying and doing in our life. Every open door is a door opened by the Lord.

   If you are doubting, seek Him first. How long has it been since you talked with the Lord? How long since your heart knew no burden? How long since you prayed, how long since you stayed on your knees the whole night through? How long has it been? These are a few words from a song I remember singing as a child. They call to me often in the last couple of days. Gently reminding me where I belong. Here is where I find courage.

   John 9:9-11 Jesus says, "I am the door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out (freely), and will find pasture."

   Do you want others to find that open door? Really? Or are you so wrapped up in your thing that you forget to mention His name? I am learning to spend time with the Lord in preparation because today might be the day of salvation for someone I meet. I want to be an instrument for His glory!

   "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy, I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

   I want this so much! And, I want others to see Jesus in me so clearly that the things the thief has tried to use to distract me from Jesus will break off like old rusty chains. In Jesus name!

   Jesus says to you tonight, "I am the Good Shepherd, The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep."

   Didn't Jesus do this for you and I? Then, tell somebody! The contrasts between the Good Shepherd and the thief speak for themselves. We just need to ask the Holy Spirit in us to help us discern the difference. He will.

   I guess what impacted me today was one lady who I was buying a plant from. I went to the car but felt like I should turn around and get the other plant. She was alone at the time. She came over and somehow, I can't even remember I was telling her about God's work in my life. She sorta had a blank look on her face. Yet, I knew she understood what I was saying. I turned to go after thanking her for helping me and left with a prayer for her on my heart. I believe she needed a reminder of where real hope lies.

   The other lady I spoke to about a piece of carpet followed my husband and I outside the shop where we talked about the wonderful ways of God at work in her family and ours. It was our last stop and my heart is still blessed that I spoke up first about the Lord. It was so worth the stop even if we couldn't buy carpet!

   See, you never know unless you take the risk. The Lord took a risk, using someone to tell you about Jesus. We must follow His example. Without fear. With a heart of courage. What have we got to loose?

   God bless you all as you daily take the message of fresh life to others. You are not alone in your witness. Praise the name of the Lord! Amen.

Abundance is...He will lead us