Spiritual Soul Train Ride: An Energetic and Passionate Devotional for All Women

By Kathy Carpenter

All aboard! Travel with me on Gods spiritual soul train! When I was three years old, I boarded a train and waved goodbye to my mother. I never saw her face again. Separated from our brother, I wrapped my arms around my sister, and God wrapped his arms around me. I did not realize at that moment that God had given me a job at that station in my life. I looked out the window and saw a blue sky of hope that I will remember always. My life is blessed in spite of this childhood heartbreak, my brothers suicide, and my sisters issues with epilepsy and suicidal tendencies. I have a remarkable life, and at each station I have been fortunate to know a God that holds me steadfast with the fascinating adventure and mystery of the world so created by him. I want you to travel with me and feel the rain upon your face, stand in awe of the descriptive sunrises and sunsets, hear the birds waking up, and picture the magnificent race horses galloping around the horse farm. Visualize the wild coyote and the white-tailed deer that dwell around me. Meet great Biblical leaders of the Bible and Christian warriors and missionaries of yesterday and today. Enjoy quotes and stories by the famous and not-so-famous but extraordinary women and men who have made and are making a difference in the world that we live in. Experience Gods seasons with me as I paint you a spring with cherry blossoms and dogwood trees surrounded by buttercups; show you the colors of autumn, highlighting the vivid oranges, yellows, and reds; smell the evergreen, pines, honeysuckle vines as I ask you to swim in their fragrance on my favorite prayer walk in the park; sit with me around the warm fires, and walk in the snow with me during Christmastime. Settle down in my snug, old barn office with hot coffee as I ask you to join me for devotional and prayer. May you exhale and inhale passion as the devotionals come alive in your heart with eternal hope and love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781512705119

Kathy Carpenter

Kathy Carpenter lives with her husband on a thoroughbred horse farm in Georgia, and she is a Christian author, local artist, and Bible study leader in her home church. Kathy is passionate about her time with her beloved family and her service as a caregiver for her “great nine”—retired thoroughbred racehorses—and for her dogs and the other wildlife at her farm. She believes that time spent with church family and friends is a blessing.

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Copyright © 2015 Kathy Carpenter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Photos by Kathy Carpenter.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica US, Inc.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-0512-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-0513-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-0511-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015911882

WestBow Press rev. date: 7/29/2015

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

January: Focus on Isaiah

February: Memorable Christian Leaders

March: Journey to the Cross

April: Life’s Emotions

May: Touch of Genesis

June: Family, Friends, Fellowship

July: Passion

August: Women of the Bible

September: Jesus’ Miracles

October: Focus on Psalms

November: Not-So-Famous but Extraordinary Women

December: Christmas Sparkles With Jesus

Notes

About the Author

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my beloved husband, children, grandchildren, cousin, Jackie Thach and lifelong friends, Mary Lash and her daughter my Godchild, Harriet Berk, Mary Gramling, Abby Oddo, Linda Doherty, Florine Reynaud, Martee Kirkwood, Emma Grier and Lee Mccomas.

Kathy Carpenter

I dedicate this book to my beloved husband, children, grandchildren and my precious mother, who is ninety years old.

Sherry Shaw

Acknowledgments

I am thankful to the good Lord for the passion I feel to live, to write and to love. I am blessed to have in my life people who offered encouragement, support and enthusiasm for Spiritual Soul Train Ride. I thank my husband for his enduring support and my cousin, Jackie Thach, retired attorney, who has always been available for me. I thank Lindsey Gahafer for helping with editing. She is currently living and working in Georgia. She spent eight years doing youth ministry work and continues to serve the Lord by her work and witness. My heartfelt thanks to Jennie Martin, who also helped with the editing process. Jennie is a loving and compassionate woman who is on staff at Roswell United Methodist Church. The devotionals would not be complete without my sister in Christ Sherry Shaw’s prayers closing out each daily devotional. The support I have received from Lisa Stover of the worship and praise arts ministry at Roswell United Methodist Church will remain in my heart always because there has never been a time when Lisa has not encouraged the praise choir to be present and to sing and sing for God. Whatever is going on in our lives (in joy and sorrow), she prays for each of us. God blessed me by putting two women in my life, Dr. Ellen Shepard and her mother, Shirley Nickerson, who believed in me. The Women at the Well Bible study group is such an unforgettable group of women that I cannot mention them all. Some have moved away and some are still present in the Bible study. The inspiration I have received from each of them and the example they are to women of all ages I hope will edify the devotionals. At every depot (station in life) there is the great Lord to wrap his arms around us, keep us safe and motivate our dreams into some of the most spiritual times in our lives.

—Kathy Carpenter

January: Focus on Isaiah

Week One—Monday

Soul Train

Today is the beginning of the new, and it’s the perfect time for the greatest ride of your life aboard the Soul Train with the only conductor of the universe, God Almighty. We will make stops along the way, and each stop will be a station where we will be refreshed by God’s fresh springwater. God has plans for us each day. Each station of our lives is an experience realized to the fullest when we are connected to the One who gives the direction. We focus on Scripture from Isaiah in January.

Scripture Call

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 49:19–21)

Closing Prayer

Almighty God of all creation, we feel blessed and excited as this new year begins. Help us to be ready for all you have in store for us. May we keep our eyes and ears open for your directions, which will lead us on an amazing journey. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week One—Tuesday

Renewal

Oh, Lord, what a comfort it is to know you are with me today, and I am connecting with you. Your comfort surrounds me, and the brilliance of your dawn is warm and sweet. It is 4:30 a.m., and I am pulling on double socks and my old Dublin boots with rawhide ties. A kiss for my husband, a hot cup of coffee, and a run for my rescue Doberman, Joseph—all before bringing in my beloved thoroughbreds.

I am thinking of the new year and the changes it brings—different resolutions, thoughts, and plans. Everyone has a different approach. I find each new year brings new hope for change and renewal. As we dust off the dirt from the old boots, maybe just one more step is needed to convince us of the definitive changes we need to make. That change might be tossing the old boots with the old ways and ideas. This is just as necessary as cleaning out closets and giving away the unused and unnecessary to the poor and needy.

We need the Lord to cleanse our minds and hearts. We pray to hear his call reminding us of his presence.

Scripture Call

Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1:2)

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, direct us in the coming year as we seek to make new resolutions and plans that are in accordance with your will. May we be open to any changes we need to make that will help us be of service to others and draw us closer to you. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week One—Wednesday

All the Time

Welcoming the morning with gusto and energy, I feel a tremendous need to go to one of my most prayerful places. I need that prayer walk and time with God without distractions, even though the day is busier than ever. I am not going to give you details of my list—you have your own—but God is trying to say, Good morning!

We need God all the time, not just a moment or two here and there. I have to work on this area. I use excuses, such as having nine horses to look after, choir practice, bird feeders to fill, and cooking for the family. Everything on that list is important and must be done, but God is always waiting to hear from us. He constantly encourages us to reach for the golden book at all times, the Holy Bible, his teaching words of wisdom for living.

Scripture Call

When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. (Isaiah 8:19–20 NIV, 1984)

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, how blessed we are to come before you with our thanksgiving and concerns, knowing you are anxiously awaiting us to come into your presence. Help us to release anything that hinders us from enjoying this fellowship with you. Help us to listen and look for you as we go about the chores we must complete, keeping you in constant communication as we go about our days. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week One—Thursday

Trust

Lord, trust is on my mind as I start the dawning day. I know I should put all my trust in you, and I battle with my thoughts as they drift away, like sand blown from a beach into the ocean depths. The depths of worry and concern surround me, and I know I need to turn my wayward thoughts to you and find peace in Scripture. Lingering with worry is not the healthy or right way to live, and I know that. I realize I worry about petty things. But with good faith, Scripture, and prayerful time with you, the world is made right, and there is peace regardless of what is going on in the world. My Lord, thank you for blessing my day and for the great trust in you that gives me peace to wash away all negative and anxious thoughts.

Scripture Call

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3–4)

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, where do we hide our trust when the panic sets in, when we are consumed by doubts and fears? Why is it so difficult to let go of our need to be in control of every situation? Why do we think we can do things better than someone else, failing to give them the opportunity to learn for themselves? Is it our desire to prove something to ourselves, to others, or to you? Please give us wisdom and understanding of what you require of us so we will feel secure, knowing you are in control and will take care of our concerns. May we trust you completely, give you the rein, and let you lead us in the direction you want us to go. Jesus, we trust in you. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week One—Friday Closeout

Personal Desire

We have concluded the first week, the first station stop, introducing the Scripture focus for January from Isaiah, whom some consider to be the greatest prophet.

Scripture Call

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40:26)

The weekend gives you time to journal so that you will have time to reflect. Maybe someone else will be blessed by your words.

Closing Prayer

All-powerful God, we begin this year with the desire to have a more personal relationship with you through the reading of your Word and time spent listening to your voice. As we start our day, let us come into your presence with open hearts ready to receive and obey your commands. We offer thanks for your many blessings and pray we will be deserving of all you have in store for us today. We thank you for the hope you give us as we turn from our wicked ways and focus on living according to your will for our lives. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Two—Monday

Prayer Time

Morning is my favorite time for prayer, and I feel very comforted taking special time in the morning to be with the Lord. Many busy women set their alarms for an early hour while the house is quiet, and interruptions from babies crying, children getting ready for school, and getting ready for work are nonexistent. There are others who meet as a breakfast group and have prayer time. Many wait for evening, when there is a settled feeling and all is quiet. Others do not have a special time; they simply pray throughout the day amid their daily duties.

Do you have a special time for devotion and prayer? My day is blessed when special time is given to the Lord, and my heart is pierced when I do not allow time with God.

Scripture Call

O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress. (Isaiah 33:2)

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, we praise you for this day and this glorious world you have created. We cannot comprehend your unconditional love and how you continue to care for each of us. We pray for your guidance today as we seek to live lives that are pleasing to you. We thank you for slowing us down in order to give us rest and for those sweet nudges that tell us it is time to get moving. Please show us what we should do today to glorify your kingdom here on earth. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Two—Tuesday

False Idols

Throughout his Scripture, Isaiah constantly reminds that idols of any kind should never get in the way of our special time with the Lord. I am guilty of keeping an organized routine every single day. I constantly tweak my routine to make more time for God but find myself rushing in and out of prayer. This rush is unfair to the Lord. Sometimes I try to make up lost time by reading two devotionals. Again, a busy schedule can easily become a false idol, and time with the Lord can seem strained.

Scripture Call

I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. (Isaiah 42:8)

Closing Prayer

God of love and grace, thank you for looking out for us when we most need it. So often we get too wrapped up in our day-to-day tasks and unintentionally fail to spend time with you. We know your Holy Spirit resides within our hearts, so forgive us for failing to listen to you as you direct us along our spiritual journeys. Help us to slow down and set aside those times to be with you throughout our day. Keep us still so we can hear your voice. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Two—Wednesday

Time Apart

Good morning, my beloved sisters in Christ! Yes, I did it, I really did it! Though I second-guessed myself one thousand times, I made the list of needs for the horse farm, making sure that all would be taken care of while my husband and I escape for time apart from our busy lives. After every possible detail has been taken care of, here we are at last enjoying a special kind of rest laced with all God’s surrounding beauty. Somehow at times I feel that I am indispensable, and panic sets in when I depart from my caregiver duties. It is hard to let go at times, and I am certain I am not alone in this feeling.

Lord, thank you for blessing my day as your Scripture fills my heart and refreshes and revitalizes the very nature of my soul.

Scripture Call

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28–31

Closing Prayer

Holy Lord, we praise you for those times of needed rest, apart from our daily jobs and chores. What a blessing to know we can rest in your arms anytime we need it and be refreshed with your strength and peace. Thank you. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Two—Thursday

God the Center

God wishes to be the center of our universe. Front and center. As God holds the world in his hands, assurance is abundant in all that we see every day. When God is front and center of our world, we do not drift into an obsessive routine that stresses us out of control. The start of a new year is perfect timing for grabbing hold to a schedule that puts God first in our lives. God holds the world in his hands, and even more precious, he holds onto me and cares for my life.

I thank you, God, for blessing my day and keeping my head raised to you as the dawn slips in around my being.

Scripture Call

This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: "I, the Lord have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

Isaiah 42:5–7

Closing Prayer

God of all creation, we lift our voices in praise this morning as we look around at everything you have placed before us! You continue to award us with so many blessings. You show us your love in so many ways, from the birds that fly high in the sky to the depth of your oceans and all that is in between. Be with us today as we seek to remain in your presence, laying aside all distractions which try to crowd in and take away our joy. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Two—Friday Closeout

God’s Time

This week our Soul Train continued the journey studying the great prophet Isaiah. Our hearts touched on prayer time, time apart, false idols and God at the center. That is all God wants—just time with us. Give him some time, my beloved sisters, and you will be blessed.

Scripture Call

O Lord be gracious to us, we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

Isaiah 33:2

Take time to journal, write a letter to God and review one of your favorite Scriptures, devotions and prayers. Have a blessed weekend. God longs for you.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for those special moments in your presence when we are totally committed to hearing your voice. Please forgive us when so many things distract us. We lift our prayers of concern and thanksgiving wholeheartedly to you. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Three—Monday

Shout It Out

Lord, thank you for this glorious day! Whether we have rain or sun, this is your day, and life is good. That great feeling of warmth and security you give me makes me want to venture out, reach out and shout it out! I feel and hear your words tell me, Go, my friend, and do not be afraid to leap for a goal or deed that is penetrating your heart! Have you ever felt a little timid in moving forward with goals? We all have uncertainty or fear, and it is not necessary because God is there holding us safe, so safe. He loves us so much that we have choices, and between a rock and a hard place we will not stay.

Scripture Call

But now this is what the Lord says—he who created O Jacob, he who formed you O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1–3

Closing Prayer

Almighty Savior, your unfailing love keeps us safe, and all fears and doubts disappear when we rest in your loving arms. There is nothing we can’t face or do when we put our trust and faith in you. You lead us away from evil, from idols, from chaos in our lives. You give us peace and joy, and we give all of the honor and glory to you. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Three—Tuesday

Eternal Presence

As I open the door for my dog, Joseph, he nearly sweeps me off my feet as he runs by, knocking the coffee right out of my hands! My big strong Doberman! I laugh, thinking, Okay, I’m not going to take life too seriously this morning, especially since yesterday ended with everything seemingly turned upside down. Returning after walking the big moose, I see my husband sitting quietly in the calm of the morning, enjoying peace and solitude. Men! How they always escape the drama! My immediate reaction to my rough start was to overreact, but I calmed down and thought, Okay, God, what is in store for today? It was kind of like saying, God how about telling me what is going to happen today? or Lord, I don’t want to worry you with the little things, so I’m just going to hand over my big problems.

Do you think God is concerned about the small stuff? Of course! Isaiah’s Scripture is clear about God’s concern with our everyday stuff—the small and big things. God will hold us and carry us, nurture us and love us, hold us and save us forever from the beginning until we are old and our hair turns white.

Scripture Call

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:3–4

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord, we rejoice this morning as we come before your throne. We seek your guidance as we begin this day, putting in your hands everything going on in our lives—the small stuff and the bigger things. What a blessing to turn our day over to you, trusting you to do what is best for us! We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week Three—Wednesday

Overwhelmed

I was anxious to get started this morning and hit the floor with a happy bounce, grabbing a cup of coffee, giving my husband a kiss and running the dog. Seeking the Lord in silent prayer, I headed towards the barn for the horse chores. This was going to be an extremely busy day, and my organizing and planning the day was underway. It was not long before the good day was becoming the beast called overwhelmed. Is there such a beast? Of course there is! So where does it come from? I was up early, did all the right things, but then farm equipment broke, a situation with an employee came up, the hay wasn’t right, and on and on. With everything that was going on there was indeed an answer.

I realized that I needed to calm down and communicate with my sweet Lord. I am starting to learn that regardless of how small my worries may be in comparison to the problems of others in