Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Great Books to Read With Your Kids this Christmas

I had the privilege of listening to my daughter read 
How the Grinch Stole Christmas to her first grade class. 
I call it a privilege because, for one, she's my daughter, but besides that 
she uses all the voices of the characters. It's truly a joy. 
I read this story to my kids when they were young and 
to hear one of them read it aloud is magical.

The Grinch's story is one of change. 
He's a mean one, as they say. 
The Whos from Whoville are filled with joy, to the point 
they continue to celebrate Christmas even without 
any presents, decorations or food. 
Their unselfish joy changes the Grinch's heart.

Isn't Christmas more than gifts, feasts, and decor? 
Of course it is. 
It's joy in the depths of the heart. Rejoicing that King Jesus was born. 

If you want your children to appreciate the simple 
yet powerful theme of joy, read the Grinch and 
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 
The Best Christmas Pageant is 
a heartwarming chapter book you'll laugh out loud over.





 

Monday, December 4, 2023

Happy Cookie Day!

 I don't know about you, but I think I'm related to the Cookie Monster. 

One of my favorite family traditions at Christmas is making cookies with the kids. 
We try to set aside one day to make cut-out cookies before Christmas. 
Here's a photo of some of last years delectable delights.

Celebrate National Cookie Day with your favorite cookie!

What is your favorite cookie?


 

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Stress or Celebration?

Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 2:16
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Stress or celebration?

On Sunday afternoon, I went with Sara, Eli, and Ella Cate to see the movie Journey to Bethlehem. The movie is a musical, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a fresh retelling of the birth of Jesus. Yes, they took some creative liberties, but what I carried away from the movie and thought about this week were two important messages.

King Herod was evil and so threatened by the thought of a new king being born, he would go to the worst measure to get rid of the baby. My heart broke for this man who, so full of pride and greed, would dive into the depths of darkness to keep his crown.

The truth is, Jesus didn’t come to rule nations or dethrone anyone. He came to rule the hearts of people. To spread love and offer hope. A hope Herod never knew.

The second was the effect Mary’s pregnancy had on her family and Joseph’s. We read of how Joseph said he would break the betrothal to Mary quietly. Even still, Mary carried baby Jesus.

I have great respect for Joseph. Not just because he stepped up and married Mary, but because of his faith in God. He trusted the One who created him and carried out His plan in obedience.

When faced with a difficult circumstance or conflict, what do I do? React like Herod and lash out? Or pray like Joseph and obey God?

As I consider the celebration of Christmas and the stress placed on us to have everything perfect, I remember Mary and Joseph and their not so perfect circumstances and know God doesn’t expect me to have a flawless holiday. He only wants me to be obedient and have faith like Joseph and Mary and share the love of Jesus.

How about you? Will Jesus’ love shine through your Christmas celebration?

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

One of the Best Gifts

Reading to children is rewarding to them, and to the reader. 
What a delight to see a child's eyes light up when they hear a story they love. 
How exciting to hear a child recognize words.
As a mom, grammy and children's librarian, 
I read to kids for many years and loved every minute.

As Christmas draws near, take the time to read to a child.
From now through Christmas, 
I'll share some of the holiday books I've enjoyed reading over the years.


 

Saturday, November 25, 2023

He Stays the Same

Hebrews 13:8 
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The times they are a-changin.’ --Bob Dylan

When my girls were young and they stayed home from school due to illness, if they felt like it, we sometimes played games like Old Maid, Candyland, or Go Fish. We would deal the cards or set up the board and play until they were ready to rest.

The other day, my granddaughter called. She’d gotten sick. Fortunately, she was already off school and didn’t miss a day. We chatted for a bit, then she asked me to hang up because she wanted to video chat on Messenger. She’s nine and was using her mom’s phone with permission. When I answered the call, her pretty face popped up, and I could see she didn’t feel well. We talked for a minute, then she told me we could play a game on the phone. I had no idea. She clicked something and brought up Go Fish and we played two rounds.

The older I get, it seems like life changes at lightning speed. Perhaps because I can look back and see the history I’ve lived, yet one thing has never changed.

Jesus remains the same no matter how many years pass. He continues to share His love. There are days I think He should walk away from me because I’m a lowly human, instead He stays with me through the valleys and the peaks. He opens His arms and welcomes me in. He sees value in me and never leaves me.

He loves you, too. His arms are open to everyone. He loves like no other. He’ll be there through the best and the worst.

I love this song by Matthew West, The God Who Stays. I hope you’ll take a listen.


Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Thankful for Books

As I think about Thanksgiving and the many things I have to be grateful for, 
books are high on the list.
I'm a reader and a writer. I devour books, usually two or three a month.

There is something about stories.

The way they take a reader away from the everyday or enhance the everyday.
The words fill me with wisdom, knowledge, and experience.
Stories, whether fiction or true, make me think and ponder and gather words.

Everyone is a reader, some just haven't found the right book yet.


 

Saturday, November 18, 2023

He Journeys With Me

Genesis 24:42
When I came to the spring today, I said, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come.” 

Who is on your journey?

The other day, Tim and I took a road trip. We traveled to three bookstores in the Cincinnati area. The first stop we made was to a little shop in Madeira. The owner had kindly kept my books on the shelf for several months, a few had sold, but she was ready to return the others to me. After we picked those up, Tim drove to Mason, and I visited the lovely Belong Christian Bookstore. In case you aren’t aware, Christian bookstores are few these days. I chatted with the owner and showed her my books, with hope of a possible connection in the future. On our last stop, I browsed a Barnes & Noble, found a few stocking stuffers, and discovered they only do author events every six months or so. Some might say I didn’t have success promoting my books, but I made connections.

On the drive, Tim and I noticed a semi on the highway with the word JOURNEY imprinted on the side. That got me to thinking. Who travels on my journeys with me? On our trip, Tim and Rosie (she loves to ride) were in the Jeep with me, and the Holy Spirit buckled up and rode shotgun. The Holy Spirit led us to Belong Bookstore at the exact time the owner stood behind the counter. Due to illness, she isn’t there often. I’m thankful for the opportunity to meet her and talk about my books, and I call that success.

In Genesis, Abraham asked his head servant to travel back to Abraham’s homeland to find his son, Isaac, a wife. Concerned he might fail, the servant turns to the One who brings him hope. He asked the Lord to grant success on the journey. I love the servant took God on the journey with him, and if you read the rest of the story, he found Isaac a wife, the beautiful Rebekah.

When I travel through this life, I want God with me. The Holy Spirit dwells with me day and night, and I know on my journeys, He stays by my side.

Who goes with you on your journey? Have you asked God to join you?

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

A Wonderful Place to Be

I can't remember a time when I wasn't enamored with books.
Stories offer somewhere to go when you stay home.
They share adventure, mystery, love, and so much more.

When I open the pages of a book, imagination ignites and 
I travel on journeys I'd never take, otherwise.
Whether reading a book or writing one, I'm thankful for stories.

What kind of books do you enjoy?


 

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Full of Light

Matthew 6:22-23
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hand the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,
ready my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, ears, and heart,
illumine me, Spirit divine!

Even though my second cataract surgery is complete, I won’t know for three to four more weeks if I need to wear glasses again. Although my vision is clearer, and I can mostly read my laptop and phone, I need readers for the smaller print. My distance vision is much better in my left eye, but due to an astigmatism in my right eye, I still have blurriness. So, I wait.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke about how important the eyes are. When they’re healthy, they let in the light. By healthy, Jesus is referring to spiritual health.

At times, the brokenness of this world paralyzes me. I want to hide away from the darkness and tragedy, the unfairness and constant bombardment of distraction from God. But because Jesus’ light shines into my life, I can face every day and be a light for Him. As a believer, I’m fighting back against the darkness. Through my sight I see His lantern glowing brighter.

When I was young, our church sang Open my Eyes, an old hymn written by Clara H. Scott. I love the stanza that asks the Spirit to “illumine me.” The Holy Spirit walks with me each day and opens my eyes to what Jesus wants me to see and do. I pray the light always fills my soul.

Seek Jesus’ light. He will guide the way.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Streets of Gold

When I saw the golden leaves scattered across the ground, 
the book of Revelation came to mind.
The author, John, described his vision of heaven with a street of gold.

Thinking of heaven brings me peace. 
What a glorious place to bein the presence of God.



 

Monday, November 6, 2023

Home for Christmas, An Abbott Island Story, is part of the collection of four stories in Christmas in Ohio

 After Levi Swenson and Charlotte Mercer share months of promising texts and phone calls, Charlotte returns to Abbott Island for Christmas with her family. Will her dysfunctional family scare Levi away or will he and Charlotte meet under the mistletoe?

Sadie and Joel Grayson are ready to deliver their baby. Will the baby's birth bring good tidings and great joy or will the young couple be caught without the medical help they need?

The Christmas in Ohio collection is available for pre-order in paperback and Home for Christmas is available by itself as an e-book.

Come join us for a celebration of Christmas in the Buckeye State, with snow and mistletoe, a dash of suspense and danger, mystery and reunions, healing and hope.
From an island Christmas celebration to colonial-era homesteads, Christmas is a time of hope and celebration, as well as learning and healing. A time for trusting and sharing secrets, and taking a risk that leads to joy and a promise for the future.


The four stories on these pages go from a search for a missing painting to a reunion of lost loves, a shattered family rejoined, and promises kept. From a stolen treasure to secrets revealed, healed hearts and glass hearts, and second chances at love.

The gift of Christmas.

Saturday, November 4, 2023

A Reminder

2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The other day, I walked Rosie on the little hill behind our condo. Vibrant, red leaves tumbled to the ground from the maple tree. I’m not sure why my mind works the way it does, but I stopped and grouped three of the beautiful red leaves together to take a photo. They reminded me of the trinityGod, the fatherJesus, the sonand the Holy Spirit.

I imagine God knew I could use a reminder of who He is, for He is not a God of randomness. He’s a God of order and plans. There is no such thing as coincidence with Him.

He has mapped out what I would need in this fallen, broken world. First, I need God. He’s the love and hope of life. The one who protects and guards my heart. Second, I need Jesus. He’s grace. The One who covers my sins with His blood. He’s the son of God who took the sorrow and sadness of the world on His shoulders. Third, I need the Holy Spirit, the one who fellowships with me. He hangs out with me on a daily basis. He communicates with God when I can’t and guides me as I seek help.

I love God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and thank the Lord for His work in my life. I can’t think of a better way to begin November than with a grateful heart for the One who created me, redeemed me, and fills me with His joy and peace.

Let’s spend this month thanking and praising the One who loves us more than we understand.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

November

November calm

infiltrates the forest.

One last leaf releases

and drizzles to the ground.

Rest blankets the floor.


 

Saturday, October 28, 2023

One More Time

Philemon 1:4-7
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Have you ever wanted to sit with someone one more time?

The older I get, the more I realize I may not get to see people one more time. Over the last several years, friends and family have moved from broken bodies on this earth to perfect, healthy bodies in heaven. I’m rejoicing for them, and I’m missing them.

The other day, Tim and I took Rosie to a park to walk. I’d been sick a few days before, so I stayed in the car, still tired from the bout of illness. I watched them walk a circular path, then my sight landed on a blue swing with a beautiful backdrop. Gold and orange trees stood at attention behind the colorful swing. I thought, what if I could sit on that swing and talk to anyone I wanted to? Of course, I would sit with Tim and chat about the day. I could take any of our grandkids or kids and their spouses. Perhaps a friend or two would come by and we’d laugh and talk. Then I thoughtwhat if I could bring anyone back and talk to them about heavenwouldn’t that be a glorious conversation? They could tell me about the incredible worship and praise of God and conversations with Jesus.

Since that’s not possible, I had another thought. Wouldn’t that be a lovely place to sit and talk to God? A place to pray for my loved ones and readers. A place to appreciate the beautiful fall weather and thank God for His provision and remember those we’ve loved who have passed. It’s good to sit and thank the Lord for the people He has placed in my life. 

I hope as I remember you, you know you give me great joy and encouragement.

Do you have a favorite place to ponder and pray?

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Celebrating Fall

It appears that God's been busy painting leaves 
on the trees in southwest Ohio.
In our peak week for leaf peeping, Tim, Rosie, and I 
took a drive to take in the beauty of the season.

We ended up on the campus of Clermont College, 
where I used to work.
Fall was my favorite time on the lovely rural campus.

The tree I shot here was one of the most vibrant 
and stood at the back of the lot where I parked.

I was happy to see it still standing and celebrating fall.

What do you enjoy about autumn?



 

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Listen for the Voice of Truth

Psalm 25: 4-5
Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.

The Playhouse Square in Cleveland sparkled.

A chandelier draped the middle of the street between the playhouses, theatres, and eateries. On a sign overtop the Keybank State Theatre a picture of the music group Casting Crowns greeted us. Tim and I will be celebrating 31 years of marriage on October 31. We planned an early celebration that included the twenty-year tour concert of Casting Crowns.

God’s fingerprints were all over their twenty-year story. Mark Hall, the lead singer in the group is a youth pastor. He used music to get his kids to read their Bibles. Mark is dyslexic and has an attention deficit, yet God filled him with a desire to reach youth and adults with his humble beginnings in the music world.

Casting Crowns has not wavered from God’s truth in their twenty years of fame. Their songs speak straight to the heart. Tim and I were both blessed by their testimony and their music. Enhanced by a symphony of violins, their words resonated through the crowd. We lifted our hands and voices with them and praised God.

My favorite song they sing is Voice of Truth. So many voices call out to us every day. Social media, the news, people around us, fear, and so much more. The Bible teaches us to discern the voices by weighing them against God’s word and whether they acknowledge Jesus. (1 John 4:1-3)

The psalmist calls to God to show him God’s ways and guide him in His truth. In this world of constant attention grabbing by outside voices, seek God’s voice and truth and teach your children to listen for God.

Celebrate Jesus and His truth.


Wednesday, October 18, 2023

A Kindness Shared

 Our neighbors spent the week 
preparing for their daughter's wedding.
They created beautiful floral arrangements 
and a large arc of flowers for the reception.

A couple days after the wedding, 
they gifted us with this lovely arrangement.
They're kindness brightened my day.

A thoughtful gesture, a kindness shared, 
an encouraging word go a long way in this world.


Saturday, October 14, 2023

Don't Navigate the Hard Days Alone

Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Don't let the hard days win.

I'm in the middle of cataract removal surgeries. About a week ago, the eye surgeon sucked the cloudy lens out of my right eye. Then he placed a new artificial lens in so my vision would improve. The left eye will be corrected soon, but in the meantime, I'm in limbo. The right eye has an astigmatism. Which means, my eyeball is shaped like a football instead of a volleyball. Most of the time, people who have lenses replaced for cataracts have clearer vision in about two days. Not me. Nope. My football shaped eye is betterI can see clear colors instead of a yellowish cast, but I can't see as well as I can out of my left eye that still has a cataract. The eye doctor did his job, but my eye didn't cooperate. So between now and the time my left eye is fixed, the one shaped like a volleyball, I can't wear my glasses. Once my eyes work together again, I'll get a new prescription.

I've adapted by using readers and thankfully my left eye can see distance, but working on the computer and reading are hard. My eyes hurt by evening and I often have a headache. I'm managing, but I could throw up my hands and quit until the left eye is corrected. Instead, I'm leaning into God to help me through this trying time.

Of course, my situation isn't the end of the world, and it should be better by November, but there have been dark times in my life when I couldn't see the end. I felt helpless and disheartened, but you know what? God stood by me and protected me. He always does. God has gifted His people with the Holy Spirit, who gives us power, love, and self-disciple. Those are the things that have helped me through dark days, along with my family and friends.

Don't let the hard days win and don't try to navigate them alone. Give them to Jesus and trust Him to send help.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

The Presence of Wonder

October is a wonderful time to watch in wonder for the beauty of the season.

In Ohio, the shades of autumn are painting the trees.
Cool breezes are awakening the mornings.
Dashes of orange are decorating porches and fields.

Seek the wonder of the season and enjoy God's gift of fall.


 

Saturday, October 7, 2023

She Gets It

Joshua 1:7-8
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. -Corrie Ten Boom

Our youngest granddaughter had to have oral surgery. When you're nine years old and have nothing to compare the experience to, you have a bit of fear and anxiety. A beautiful thing happened to her. After school, one of her teachers and her principal prayed with her, on the day before the surgery. That evening, I ate dinner with her and her family and she prayed over the meal and asked God to make everything go well for her during surgery. My heart danced a happy dance. That little nine-year-old gets it. She placed her fear in God's hands.

Our ministers are preaching a series this month that focuses on Joshua called "Be Strong and Courageous." God told Joshua multiple times to be strong and courageous. In Joshua 7, He called him to be strong and very courageous." Take it up a notch Joshua and step out on faith.

Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the choice to trust God with the future. He calls all of us to step out and have faith in Him and in the future He's planned for us. He asked Joshua to keep the Book of the Law on His lips. For us, He wants us to have the word of God in our hearts. I'm no Bible scholar. There's so much I don't understand, but I cling to the verses that encourage and give me strength and courage.

Trust in God for the future, be strong and courageous.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Nature is a Witness

Autumn is a wonderful time of year. 
Cooler temperatures and changing colors
remind me to step outside and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Orange and teal pumpkins, purple and yellow blooms, reds, golds, and oranges
on the trees and in the sky trumpet the glorious hues of fall. 

Nature is a witness to the amazing miracles of God.


 

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Stand Up And Cheer

Psalm 86:12
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

The standing ovation stopped the game.

On Sunday, Maggie and I attended the last home game of the Cincinnati Reds. Tim worked as an usher, and we met some of the regulars in his section. The Reds have had a good season and have been fun to watch. They've added new players to the roster and have one outstanding player who has hung with the Reds for seventeen years.

When Joey Votto appeared on the field for his first at bat, the crowd rose to their feet, clapped, cheered, and may have cried a little. This player has been with the Reds his entire major league career. At the end of this season, his contract is finished. As fans, we don't know if he will return, so our response was to show appreciation for all he has done for the team. When all the fans rose to their feet and applauded, the energy shook the atmosphere. It was fun to be a part of his recognition and to see the humbleness of this faithful player.

I wonder what it would have been like for Jesus if people had reacted to Him that way. If those closest to Him and those who met Him realized He was the Son of God, would they have loved Him more, or praised Him as one worthy of praise? From the scripture, it appears Jesus' humbleness would have stopped any outcry or ovation, but no one is more deserving.

The times I think about what Jesus has done for me, how He has carried my burdens and sin on His shoulders, I thank Him and praise Him. Do I do this often enough? Probably not. Praise doesn't have to wait for a Sunday church service.

 Praise the One who gave His life for yoursevery day. He deserves the glory.

Friday, September 29, 2023

Historical Fiction: Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot

Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.

Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory--ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.

If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?

My Review:
I have enjoyed several Amanda Cabot books. This one included. In Against the Wind, the author returns to Sweetwater Crossing where book one left off. In book two, Louisa returns with no intention of staying until she finds a man by the road who needs help. Josh Porter finds himself in this small town, a thousand miles from home, unable to take care of himself. I love the tenacity of Louisa and her caring and determined heart. She wants so much to be accepted as a doctor in the small town, but fights against the opinions of others and some tragic events. Josh wants to please his grandfather, but he's not sure it's the best path for his life. With a strong faith thread, the two discover life is filled with surprises, struggles, and difficult decisions. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I received a free copy with no expectations, and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

A Heart that Listens

"To be kind is more important than to be right. 
Many times what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks,
but a special heart that listens."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald.

This past week was a crazy, busy week for my granddaughter,
who is a senior this year. 

Dilly and her best friend, Emma, 
competed in and celebrated their fantastic tennis season.

Nominated for homecoming queen, Dilly 
got to ride in a cool Jeep Willy truck in the parade 
and be part of the half-time events at the football game.

As proud as I am of her accomplishments,
I love this beautiful young lady's kind heart even more.

She bought me a charm not long ago that said, 
"Kind people are my kind of people." 
That is true, and they're Dilly's people too. 
She's one of the kindest people I know.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,
 just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 1:32

 

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Worthy Words

 Jeremiah 15:19-20

Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you
    that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
    you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
 but you must not turn to them.
I will make you a wall to this people,
    a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
    but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
    to rescue and save you,”
declares the Lord.

As I live in this world and see more and more disregard for God, my heart breaks.

In my daughter, Sara's, first grade class, she spends a lot of time teaching her students how to read. The children learn the sounds the letters make and how they form words. If you know anything about the English language, you know there are many words that don’t follow the rules. Sara teaches those words as heart words, in other words they must be learned by heart.

I've been reading the book of Jeremiah. Much of what I've read shows God's anger toward Jerusalem and Judah. The people have turned from Him and are worshipping idols and turning their backs on God. Jeremiah begs God not to destroy the people of Israel, but to give them another chance.

In chapter 15, Jeremiah asks God to spare him. He is a prophet who is trying to turn the people around and help them get back to loving and worshipping God. In his distress and longing to be rescued, God tells him if he repents, He will restore him. The next part caught my attention. When God said, "if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman."

That verse hit me over the head. God gave me an amazing means to communicate. He not only created humans, but he gave us language so we can share our ideas, thoughts, and wisdom.

Words can be beautiful, helpful, uplifting, and filled with compassion. They can also be mean, detrimental, and hurtful.

God called Jeremiah to speak words worthy of God. As a follower and believer in the One who created life, I want to choose words that encourage and praise, words that instruct and uplift, and words that draw people to God.

As I think of the little ones learning new words, I'm reminded to speak to a child in a way that encourages and instructs, not with harshness and hurt.

Speak in a way other people know you love God.

 

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Everyday Joy

When I get out of my car to go in the house, 
these beautiful zinnias greet me.
They happen to be my favorite color--
which brings me joy!

Do you have something you see everyday that brings you joy?

Shout for joy to God, all the earth! -Psalm 66:1


 

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Book Signing for our First Children's Book

Meet Hannah and me at the 
Lynchburg Library on October 30!


 

Called to be Faithful

1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

God has not called me to be successful. He called me to be faithful. -Mother Teresa

I have a t-shirt with a saying printed on it: God Has a Plan So I Have a Purpose. I think about that a lot. As my children grew into teenagers and then adults, I fretted over what my purpose was. I'd held onto the role of mom for years and knew at that point in my life, my focus was raising the kids to be kind and caring adults. With them rounding the corner to adulthood, I found myself at loose ends. Of course, I had purpose as Tim's wife and in my job at the school library, and I was still a mom, but something in my heart searched for more. Like many people, I read The Purpose Driven Life. I found some good information, but not enough.

I prayed and asked God for clarity, and guess what? He let me know I'd been overthinking my purpose. Yes, there are specific things God calls me to do, but the most important thing He wants me to do is to be faithful and love Him.

God calls me and anyone who believes in Him to love Him and love people. The other day the radio blared out Danny Goeke's song, Love God Love People. He talks about checking the boxes and trying to do more, but instead it comes down to caring for God and people.

Peter reminds his readers the most important thing they can do is be faithful stewards of God's grace. Show grace to everyone and be faithful to God.

In our broken world, our purpose is to remain faithful and to love.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

He is my Strength

If you wake up feeling fragile--
remember--that God is not,
and then trust Him
to be everything
you need today.
-CS Lewis

The Lord is my strength and my shield; 
my heart trusts in him, 
and he helps me. 
My heart leaps for joy, 
and with my song I praise him. 
-Psalm 28:7