Category: Devotions
Words of encouragement, support and blessing for individuals and families living with disabilities
Happy Thanksgiving: November 23, 2023 – Attitude of Gratitude!

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s actually a brisk 68° and overcast here in Umatilla, FL for this gracious holiday of gratitude. This is a bit unusual for our neck of the woods but somehow brings out memories and a sense of thankfulness for all the good things that God has done in our lives.
We are obviously thankful for the precious gift of Jesus and all that means to us as well as for each other and the Access-Life Ministry that God has entrusted to us to further spread his love and gospel. We are also thankful for the many family and friends that God has brought into our lives and the encouragement and support that has followed. The joy that our toy poodle Joy Hallelujah aka Lulu brings to our lives each day is also an enormous blessing from heaven.
Although things are not perfect nor will they be until we get to heaven, we always try to follow the Lord’s call to pray and work for more of heaven to come to earth each day. We also try to follow his admonition to focus our hearts and minds on him and the goodness that he pours out upon us each day.
We know many are struggling in such a variety of ways in these days and times but God’s light, love, purity, holiness and abundant Life can be seen and experienced every moment of our lives if we will but choose to be intentional about what we think, pray, say, do, see and hear. Listening for that still small voice and looking for those glimpses of heaven on earth can have a huge impact on our lives so that we can be truly grateful for something every day of the year.
Colossians 3:2 is such a great verse exemplifying the importance of our thoughts (set your minds on things about, not on earthly things.) and Deuteronomy 12:7 (there, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you.) is such a beautiful picture of God’s hope and desire for us especially on this day of Thanksgiving. We hope you find these verses encouraging and enjoy the amateur artwork by Doug that is attached.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for each of you and pray that the words of 3 John 1:2 (Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.) describing God’s desire for each of us blesses you by knowing God’s heart for you.
Access-Life “3 in 3”: November 19, 2023 – Attitude of Gratitude!
Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities! #Thanksgiving is almost here and in honor of this season of an #attitudeofgratitude , we want to share with you a special Access-Life #3in3 for November. Check it out to find out what Doug Goddard is thankful for this year and please feel free to share what YOU are thankful for this holiday season of remembering God’s many blessings in the comments below to inspire and remind others of God’s Great goodness and generous blessings. :-)
Access-Life “3 in 3”: October 23, 2023 – Sweet Rest
Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities! Feeling a little tired, sluggish and need a nap? Then check out our Access-Life “3 in 3” for October hosted by ministry intern Hannah Grace Spradling. We hope this video can help you find rest in the busy world we all live in! Thank The Lord we can find rest in Him!
Picture and Poetry by Doug and Leanne Goddard – God, Goodness and Grace

GOD, GOODNESS AND GRACE by Doug Goddard
Jesus in You alone I hope
For you so deeply love me
Jesus in You alone I trust
For you have never failed me
Thought I am not perfect in any way
You lead me safely through each day
Jesus you are so good to me.
Jesus you are so good to me.
You are forever faithful
Even when I am untrue
You are forever with me
Even when I stray from you
I live my life in you each day
Surrounded by your presence in every way
Jesus you are so good to me.
Jesus you are so good to me.
Jesus my friend and guide
Holding me tight by Your grace
Jesus my rock and foundation
Saving me and taking my place
Made safe in Your arms I rest peacefully
For as your child I’m with you eternally
Jesus you are so good to me.
Jesus you are so good to me.
Blessed by goodness and gifts
Your love and care are the best
Filled with joy and peace
Your grace and mercy give me rest
Walking with You and never alone
My eyes set on You as You lead me home
Jesus you are so good to me.
Jesus you are so good to me.
Access-Life “3 in 3”: September 30, 2023 – Home is where the Heart is…
Thankfully home in our heavenly haven after 90 days in the hospital!
Access-Life “3 in 3”: August 31, 2023 – The Ultimate Shelter: God
Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities!
We are sliding in on the last day of the month for our August Access-Life three in three but if you’ve been through storms like we have here in Florida you’ll love the message that God is our only true refuge.
Plus, you get to hear about our upcoming North Texas Expo trip where it is so hot that the chickens are laying omelets there (bonus joke for free thanks to Rachel Nicholson). :-) Hope you enjoy the video and have a God blessed week!
Access-Life “3 in 3”: July 31, 2023 – It is Amazing what You can do with God
Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities! As a special treat, Miss Hannah in Tennessee is going to bring you the July Access-Life 3 and 3. :-)
As usual we will have a very funny joke, relevant Bible verse and an update on ministry happenings but in this episod, you’ll also get to see a little bit more of Hannah’s heart as she shares about her experience at this year’s East Tennessee Expo.
Hope you all enjoy it and God bless everyone today in a special way. :-)
Access-Life “3 in 3”: June 30, 2023 – Always one step ahead…
Want to hear about some God miracles and How He answers our prayers before we call? Then checkout our June Access-Life 3 in 3 video. :)
Access-Life “Stories from Belize” – Francisco’s Journey
Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities! After much encouragement from Leanne Goddard, we’ve started doing videos of some God stories from our Access-Life outreach in Belize this past April. God is always working and does amazing things. However, we often only get to see parts and pieces of His handy work but sometimes we get the privilege of seeing the bigger picture. So this is the first in a series of Belize story videos that we pray helps you see and understand what it is like living in a third world country with a disability. We hope you enjoy Francisco’s story on our YouTube channel. :-)
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