Category: Devotions

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.

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. :-)

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!

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.

Thankfully home in our heavenly haven after 90 days in the hospital!

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. :-)