Author: Melissa

Hello, my name is Melissa. I grew up as a pastor's kid and am now a pastor's wife. I'm married to Joseph Smith, who is the Pastor of Pine Air Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL. We have three miracle children here on earth and two in heaven. As of July 18, 2017, God graciously allowed me to survive being struck by lightning. Five years later on March 31, 2022, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer HER2+ and HER2-. Today, I can say, together with God's help, I am an OVERCOMER! Because He lives and His mercies renew every morning, I can say I am a Lightning Survivor, Cancer Warrior, and Daughter of the King!
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Love

Biblical Character Trait:
Love – strong affection for another 
arising out of kinship or personal 
ties; unselfish loyal and benevolent 
concern for the good of another

God’s love is unconditional and unselfish. Love gives not only to those who are good and kind to us but also to those who are deliberately mean to you.

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Additional Scripture:
1 Corinthians 13, Matthew 5:53-48, Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 6:5, John 3:16, 1 Peter 4:8, Colossians 3:14, John 13:34-35, John 15:13, 1 John 4, Proverbs 10:12, Romans 12:9-10, Proverbs 17:17, Ephesians 4:2-3, Mark 12:30-31, Luke 6:27-35

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your love for me. Help me to love others as You. If I am lacking in love toward others, please show me where I need to improve.
Help my family learn to live a life of love without expecting anything in return. Help us to demonstrate Your love to all we come in contact with.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Songs of Praise:

  1. Isn’t the Love of Jesus Something Wonderful?
  2. Jesus Loves Me
  3. Love Lifted Me
  4. My Savior’s Love
  5. Oh, How I Love Jesus
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Salvation

Biblical Character Trait
Salvation-deliverance from the power and effects of sin

Everyone has the need of salvation. All men are sinners. Our sin separates us from God.

Jesus made salvation possible through his death on the Cross. We must believe and confess our sins. Only then can we be made whole in Jesus.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Additional Scripture:
Acts 4:12, Acts 16:31, Psalm 62:1-2, Romans 10:9-10, Titus 2:11-12, Luke 19:10, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 1:16, Mark 20:52, Psalm 62:7, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:13, 1 John 1:9, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Timothy 2:10

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for Your sacrifice at Calvary and for forgiving my sins through Your blood. I pray that my family will obtain salvation and learn to have a personal relationship with You. Help me to be a light to others around me that they may want to know You too.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Songs of Praise:

  1. Come and Dine
  2. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
  3. Jesus Saves
  4. Look to the Lamb of God
  5. The Light of the World Is Jesus
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Gentleness

Gentleness

When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, the Fruit of the Spirit will show as a result.  Gentleness is not meekness.  It is more than being tender; it involves having a humble heart and being kind towards others (Ephesians 4:32). 

The Greek word in Galatians 5:23 for gentleness is Prautes, which means to submit one’s strength in a posture of meekness. Gentleness is defined as kindness, consideration, a spirit of fairness and compassion.  We will be gentle with others once we submit ourselves to God.

Gentleness is not a lack of convictions or weakness.  It isn’t about being double minded, indecisive, or wimpy.  It’s refusing to use power to hurt others.  Rather, it means we value the soul of the person we share God’s truths with and treat them as a person fashioned in the image of God.

Jesus gave a great example of gentleness just prior to His death.  In Luke 22:50-52, we see that while Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, a great multitude came to betray and arrest Him.  In attempts to defend Jesus, Peter drew his sword struck off the ear of the servant of the high priest.  Our Lord’s reaction was not to pat Peter on the back for a job well done, nor scold Peter for only getting his ear.  Rather, Jesus touched the servant’s ear and healed him.  This was a great act of gentleness and consideration.

When the gentleness of Christ flows through us, we will want what’s best for others. 

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Boldness

Biblical Character Trait
Boldness: a. fearless before danger: b. showing or requiring a fearless. daring spirit

Boldness is the opposite of fearfulness. It’s the courage to face your fears and do what’s right no matter the cost.

It’s realizing that God is in control. It’s having the confidence knowing that God is always with you.

Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Additional Scripture: Acts 4:23-31, Mark 8:34-38, Romans 1:15-16, 2 Timothy 1:8-12, Ephesians 3:12, Romans 8:31-32, Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 6:19

Prayer for Boldness:
Lord, please dispel my insecurities and fears. Help me to step out in faith and boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ and the victories I have through You.
Help me to comprehend all that You have done for me. He me build my confidence as I draw closer to You so that I may boldly share Your love with others.

Songs of Praise:

  1. Nothing but the Blood
  2. I Am Resolved
  3. Dare to Be A Daniel
  4. Faith of Our Fathers
  5. Stand Up for Jesus
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Gratitude

Biblical Character Trait –
Gratitude: the state of being grateful: thankfulness

We are admonished in His Word to have an attitude of being grateful in all circumstances and for all things (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude is expressing thankfulness to God and others in ways they have benefited our lives.

Choose to practice gratitude daily. It will not only produce contentment but also will strengthen our trust in God.

Colossians 3:15-17
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 100:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Psalm 9:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Jonah 2:9; Luke 17:11-19; Colossians 2:6-7; Hebrews 13:5

Prayer of Gratitude:
Lord, Thank you for Your marvelous power and working in our lives. Help my family and I to exemplify gratitude in all we say and do. Thank you for the abundant hope that You give regardless of our circumstances (Romans 15:13). Thank you for Your love and care and for supplying our need (Philippians 4:19).
Please forgive me of the times I come to You with an ungrateful heart full of winning and complaining. Help me to look for the ways that You are working in and through our lives.
I choose to praise You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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For Your Good

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

God is constantly working things out for our good. Sometimes he allows trials and testings to chip away the rough edges as He tries to conform us into His image.

Even though the Cross was in God’s plan, we who through our rebellious actions do not escape the responsibility of putting Christ on the Cross. There are consequences of our personal actions regardless of who we are. The only way to receive true healing is to turn to Him and seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14).

God is always ready to hear the prayers of a repentant people (James 4:8-10).

2 Chronicles 7:14 f my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

James 4:8-10 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

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Journal Entries Aug 28-31, 2018

Aug 28 

12:30am- indigestion so bad I feel sick to my stomach. Burping burns. Took papaya

1:40am- finally easing…might be able to sleep now

8:32am- my whole body hurts! Entire back throbbing! Hands swollen, throbbing, and numb, rt hip throbbing, eyes blurry, neck hurts.

10:24pm- little to no energy today. 

Folded one load of clothes from yday and put away. Deposited paycheck.  Picked up shelf for my dad to hang in Dezirae’s closet with Dezirae’s help. Took her to vball practice. Jordon helped me get a few groceries. Not much else. Hard to much in pain.

Aug 29

Chest pain in center of chest, calves cramping, arms hurt, shoulders hurt, back hurts

It’s storming outside causing more pain and anxiety 

11:38pm – costocondritis flair up is painful. Took Naproxen & Melatonin after other nighttime meds. 

Tips of fingers tingly. Rt hand cramped causing me to drop phone. Left hand starting to cramp. Rt hip hurts. Loow back hurts. Toes & feet hurt. Periodic random stabbing sensation throughout body.

Aug 30

7:55am woke up late and in much pain. Rough night from pain in chest…couldn’t get comfortable. 

10:00am – extreme pain in low back & rt hip. Hands ache. Toes hurt. Lips are twitching. Neck throbbing.

Aug 31

1.43p Dreamed I relived the lightning strike incident. Not sure what to think about it.

https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/positive

https://nerveremedyreviews.com/gs/phone/nerve-pain.html

11.28p Trouble moving all day. Calves ache fiercely and cramping with any wffort of walking. Sat most of day. 

Managed to get some of kids school supplies ordered. Took pkg to post office. Got bandages for Joe at store for his arm. It turns my stomach to look at it, but still have to help him change bandages daily. 

Lord, I need you.

Legs and feet tingling & twitching. Lower back and butt aches. Rt hip area aches. Rt hand feels like I sprained it & it’s swollen. Rt shoulder area aches. Left eye twitching off and on all day. Left ear ringing periodically. Slight headache.   

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Journal Entries Aug 25-27, 2018

Aug 25

Rt leg cramped when I stood up. Decided to rub it to get it to stop. Found knot on back of rt knee.

Aug 26

Bp this morning 115/83. During morning services started to not feel so good – not feeling right, weak, tired, dizzy. Felt off most of day. Took 2 hour nap after lunch. 

Worked on sorting SS material. Shortly after I stood up, my nose began to bleed. Checked bp when got home – 130/83

Now tired, but having trouble falling asleep. 

Rt ear aches, jaw hurts, hands numb & tingling, low back & rt hip throbbing. Feet feel tingly. Slight headache. Lft lymph node in neck still quite swollen. Congested.  Rt elbow quite swollen and throbbing.  

Aug 27

12.16p- Praise! I had Dr visit today to follow up on my blood pressure. Dr was pleased with my results. I also get to start working on getting off the night time blood pressure medicine.
Thank you, Lord, for your grace is sufficient!

1:05pm-Woke with headache, low back & rt hip throbbing, hands swollen and achy, dizzy, unstable on feet, slightly nauseous.

3:55pm-put away Joe’s clothes on dresser…calves are throbbing & cramping! Must stop & rest awhile. Tears are leaking out. Butt muscles throbbing.

10:30pm- calves cramping – hurts horribly, upper back pins and burning, low back hurts, indigestion, burping, congested, rt elbow aching, rt hip hurts, trouble falling asleep

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Journal Entries Aug 21-24, 2018

Aug 21

Very lethargic feeling most of day. Over tired. 

4:00p took Bp at walmart. 117/74. Feeling a little better.  

Rt side of neck hurts. Rt hip throbbing. Rt ear aches. Left neck lymph node still swollen. Upper back hurts. Ears rining off and on all day. Toes freezong right now. Hands keep going numb & tingly. 

Aug 23

8.07 Rough night.  Back hurts, rt elbow hurts, chest hurts, feet tingly, head hurts, exhausted, bottom of feet hurt, stuffy nose & congested. Cramping in rt side. Hands tingly. Rt wrist hurts.

12.35p Felt half way decent today.  Washed several loads of clothes, puttied hole in door…overdid it. My rt hip throbbing, rt arm to elbow is slowen and throbbing, low back hurts.  Headache slightly. Both calves cramping. Hands tingly and numbing. Chest hurts.

Aug 24

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Thankful for God’s ceaseless love and care for us.

8.35a Had a rough night. Bones kept cracking when I tossed & turned to try to get comfortable. It hurt. 

My whole body aches and pains right now. Hands swollen and achy. Feet & lower legs tingly and aching. Rt side of neck feels tight and aches. Low back throbbing. Rt hip area aches. Eyes crusty and blurry. Rt eye twitching. Rt elbow swollen and throbbing.

5.30p Praise!  My Dr applied for applied for prescription assistance for me to get help with my newest bp medicine.  I was approved for one year!  Praising the Lord!

6.30 A peek in the window of a lightning survivor’s world…

     So…I’ve been trying to work on setting up a website/blog since April to document my recovery in an effort to help others as well.  I have purchased a book, tried to read the book, watched youtube videos, etc and it still seems like Greek to me. 

     I thought I was making a little progress today until I hit the wrong button and messed it all up.  Now I’m trying to fix it, but I can’t remember how I did it in the first place.  Ugh! 

     Time to take a much-needed break and try again later.  Praying for the Lord’s wisdom in setting up the website/blog.

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Journal Entries Aug 18-20, 2018

Aug 18

7:00am- intended to get up early, but decided to sleep longer because I was tired and hurting

8:00am- my whole body hurts!  Entire back throbbing, rt hip hurts, rt foot hurts, left hand tingly and aching, hands swollen, headache.

10:30am- bp 125/83

Aug 19

5:30a – had trouble sleeping last night…kept hearing noises and couldn’t figure them out.  Joe woke me up too early. Ugh!

7:00a- dumb printer giving me fits this morning…keeps jamming and trying to print bulletin on wrong size paper. Took me an hour to get 20 bulletins printed. Frustrating.

Meantime, calves started cramping bc I was standing too long. Upper back stinging needle pain, neck throbbing especially rt side, exhausted.   

2:27p – upper & middle back throbbing, rt jaw hurts, left knee periodic stabbing pain which makes me jump. It’s storming outside.

10:21p- abdominal menstrual cramping is intense, burning stinging pain in back, rt ear ringing of an on all afternoon, stuffy nose, feet freezing

Aug 20

My rt hip is throbbing. Rt ear aches pretty bad. Rt side of neck hurts. Head aches. Back aches. Feet & toes hurt. Hands swollen. Ears ringing intermittently. Calves cramping.  Chest hurts. Rt elbow throbbing.

5.11p-  After 13 months, I think the docs finally found the right med combos to keep my blood pressure within normal levels.
Last bp check was 123/75. Praise the Lord!

Now to work on my other ailments since my lightning strike anomaly. Pressing on through Christ alone.

10:50p- Sharp stabbing pain shooting through forearms to fingers.

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