This is scary. This is hard. But I have Jesus!
I was on my way to the hospital to pick up a CD and written report on my CT scan done several days ago. Something suspicious had showed up in a previous test. I wanted to find out, but I didn't want to know.
Walking from the parking lot, I sensed the Holy Spirit give me my "Jesus Prayer."
Read MoreBut right now, Janice is suffering. According to a shocking medical diagnosis, Janice may soon see her God, the Lover of her soul, face to face.
Prayers are ascending to the Throne of Grace — for mercy, for healing, for grace to face each day. We, her friends and loved ones, want her to stay with us.
Please, O God!
Read MoreThis is scary. This is hard. But I have Jesus!
I was on my way to the hospital to pick up a CD and written report on my CT scan done several days ago. Something suspicious had showed up in a previous test. I wanted to find out, but I didn't want to know.
Walking from the parking lot, I sensed the Holy Spirit give me my "Jesus Prayer."
Read MoreLord, bring Your Peace into the room as we go.
So I pray as we enter the hospice facility. Jesus can bring peace because He IS Peace! And how much darkness could be ready to rush in when souls are hanging between life and death.
For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I AM there in their midst.
Matthew 18:20 NASB
And so HE is here!
In the room a sweet, familiar voice speaks the eternal Word:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Read More
My brothers and sisters and I were orphaned this past week. Our darling "mommy" went home to Jesus. We knew it had to be coming one day...she was 91. But no one is ever ready. As we said our good-byes and laid her sweet, humble, precious little body to rest, we cried, sobbed, remembered, prayed, sang, ate together, hugged and were hugged. It was hard, but full of love!
There's a song and refrain from her service...one that we had chosen... that has settled deep in my soul. In fact, My sister Nancy said yesterday, "Janet, you keep humming that song!" And I was...and I am.
I would love to share this song with you...I'll never forget it!
Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.
1. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace.
2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathwaysof righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.
3. Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.
4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my pow’r to hold.
5. Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.
To read about the precious life of this precious lady, click here: http://www.abranchinthevine.com/my-mother-my-hero-2/
For the story behind the hymn go to http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-shepherd-me-o-god
My brothers and sisters and I were orphaned this past week. 
Our darling "mommy" went home to Jesus. We knew it had to be coming one day...she was 91. But no one is ever ready.
As we said our good-byes and laid her sweet, humble, precious little body to rest, we cried, sobbed, remembered, prayed, sang, ate together, hugged and were hugged. It was hard, but full of love!
There's a song and refrain from her service...one that we had chosen... that has settled deep in my soul. In fact, My sister Nancy said yesterday, "Janet, you keep humming that song!" And I was...and I am.
I would love to share this song with you...I'll never forget it!
Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.
1. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace.
2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.
3. Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.
4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my pow’r to hold.
5. Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.
[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFM4jZasvs']
To read about the precious life of this precious lady, click here: http://www.abranchinthevine.com/my-mother-my-hero-2/
For the story behind the hymn go to http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-shepherd-me-o-god
Janet Renner Loyd has been a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ most of her life. Her formal education includes a degree in education from the University of Arizona and also a degree in Bible & Theology from Moody Bible Institute. For more than thirty years, she has been involved in teaching and leading women’s Bible studies, retreats, and meetings…most notably Precept upon Precept and various studies that she has personally developed. Professionally, Jan recently retired from teaching language and writing to GED and adult ESOL students.
About her life, Jan says, “The most important thing about me is my relationship with my Father God through my Lord Jesus Christ. I am forever grateful to Him for His love, mercy, and grace to me and my family and friends...and the world.”
Jan has been happily married to John Loyd for more than forty years. They have two adult, married children and five lively young grandsons.
