Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts

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.



 

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.

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.

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Relentless

Matthew 4:8-11
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Be prepared.

Sara, James, Ella Cate, and I arrived at Ohio University on Saturday morning to watch and listen to my grandson, Eli, play trumpet with his marching band, along with several high school bands and the Ohio University 110 at their football game. The 110 is one of the best college marching bands in the country. Once we were parked and made our way to the stadium, we met Maggie, Michael, and Zeke, then found our seats on the metal bleachers. Even though the temperature sat in the 80s, the relentless blaze of the sun and the reflection off the bleachers made for an uncomfortable experience.

We watched the pregame performance, which was great, ate sandwiches and watched some of the football game, then James, Ella Cate, and I headed to a shady area. The shade from the bleachers provided a respite from the heat. Just before half-time, we all headed to the end of the field to get a better view of Eli's band. Somewhere along the way, my body started reacting to the heat. As the band took the field, my stomach rolled, and I felt faint. After the performance, James, Sara, Ella Cate and I went to leave. As we rounded a corner, I grabbed Sara's arm and told her I was going to faint. She calmed my panic and walked me to the first-aid tent. The wonderful people there gave me ice, cold-packs, and water and helped me cool. In about thirty minutes, I felt like myself again. In hind sight, I realize I hadn't prepared for the weather. I should have worn a hat and used my cooling towel (made for hot weather events.)

The sun's relentlessness reminds me of Satan. Not just because of the heat, but because, like the blazing sun, he permeates into every possible space. He pokes and prods in whatever way he can to get my attention away from Jesus. If I'm not prepared, or prayed up, as Grammy used to say, I won't be ready for the fight. Whether I want to think about it or not, I fight a spiritual battle every day. I choose my weaponsthe presence of God in my life, my dependence on God and obedience to Him, prayer, and the wisdom of the Bible to wage war on the devil. As believers, we need to be ready to resist the relentless pestering and not succumb to him.

Seek Jesus and be prepared for the battle.

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Dance With God

Genesis 1:3-5
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Glory filled the sky.

The best thing I can say about my week at Goodlit Writers Retreat isGod blessed me with a gift. An unexpectedI can't believe I'm here gift. Surrounded by other people who strive to write for God, I witnessed the beauty of minds and hearts opening up and pouring out. Folks from all over the country met in the quintessential small town of Stanford, Kentucky, to better understand the purpose of God's calling to write.

The different backgrounds and experiences meshed together to form a group who, like me, wanted to obey and follow the journey God is leading us on.

On Tuesday evening, Angela and Jess, hosts for the week, invited us to their beautiful farm. For me, a country girl at heart, the trip filled me with joy. After a delicious Kentucky dinner, Jess drove the tractor and pulled us on a wagon (with upholstered seats) to the top of a grass-covered hill and we watched the sunset. As the light and coming darkness played together, the pinks and pale blues turned to glorious red and deep navy. Just before night fell, the sky reminded me how when people come together to create or work, or live as a family, God can bring harmony to the dance.

In whatever I do, I pray God joins me as I pursue my dreams. He's the one who placed them on my heart and poured the talent and skills into me. Angela owns a beautiful soap store in town, Kentucky Soaps and Such. When we toured the production area, this quote was painted on the wall. "Lord, let our workspace, whatever that looks like, be our worship place." When we bring the work we do before the Lord and ask Him to partner with us, we couple with Him and bring Him glory.

Watch a sunset and let the beauty fill you with joy and a desire to dance with God.

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Masterpiece

You are God's masterpiece.
Before you were born, God created you for your life's purpose.

I found this quote on Pinterest and wish I'd read it years ago.
It speaks to the heart of why we are on this earth.

God has a plan, and we have a purpose.


 

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Are You a Lifelong Learner?

Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

It's that time of year again.

On Wednesday, the first day of the 2023-24 school year, I spent the day in Sara's first grade class. Those bright little students took in a lot of information. They got refreshers on how to go through the lunch line, play at recess, organize their desks, and they got to pick out books from the Grammy Penny crates. Sara had them do a drawing activity, that they'll write about this week, and a fun marshmallow story that showed them how to be quiet and respectful in the hallway. All-in-all they had a wonderful first day.

Whether public school, homeschool, private school, college, trade school, or any other learning, being a student takes work and being the teacher takes preparation. Hopefully, when the two meet, a great learning experience happens.

I've worked in the public library, school library, and college library. My mom always said I never stopped going to school. In a way, she was right. I'm a lifelong learner, always seeking to gain knowledge and wisdom about something. Maybe something as simple as what kind of butterfly or flower I saw.

The most important learning I have ever experienced is what I've learned from the Bible. God's word teaches so many lessons, insights, and ways to live. There is no education more important. Jesus wants me to listen and apply what I've heard and read. I'm so thankful God prepared a book I could read and study that teaches life lessons, offers encouragement, shares so many types of literature, tells remarkable stories, and leaves me wanting more. Some say the Bible is boring, but I disagree. It's fascinating.

I choose to read a few verses a day and ponder and pray over it and discover what God wants me to hear and learn. That way I'm not overwhelmed, and I remember it better. How do you approach reading the Bible?

Be a lifelong learner of God's word.

Saturday, August 12, 2023

He Doesn't Give Up

Jeremiah 4:3-4
This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem:

“Break up your unplowed ground
    and do not sow among thorns.
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,
    circumcise your hearts,
    you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it.

An angry sky loomed overhead.

As we drove, the sky turned gray and the clouds rolled. Tim commented that the sky looked angry. Indeed, it did. No sun peeked through, only gray. The sky darkened the further we drove, and within the hour the clouds burst with torrential rain.

I've been reading the book of Jeremiah, which is not warm and fuzzy. It's full of anguishGod's anguish over Jerusalem and the Israelites. They had turned their back on God and gave their attention to the idols they created. As I was reading, I understood and recognized God's deep feelings for these people.

I write a lot about how much God loves us, and He does, more than we can comprehend. Along with the emotion of love, God feels all the other ones, like anger, frustration, and hurt. He made us in His image, with all the feels, so of course He experiences the same emotions.

God and the Israelites had journeyed together for years. He'd saved them so many times, yet they turned on Him and chose to sin rather than follow God. His righteous wrath was well founded and His heart broke over these people who betrayed Him. Sounds kind of familiar. God sees similar behavior out of people today that He saw from the Israelites, yet even in His anger and hurt, He longs for us to turn to Him and seek forgiveness.

Later in the chapters, He offers to forgive the Israelites if they will repent. He doesn't give up on them regardless of how they made Him feel. God's heart breaks over people, yet He loves fiercely.

Seek God. Turn to Him and give Him your heart.

Saturday, August 5, 2023

Joy in Creation

Psalm 65:8
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
   where morning dawns, where evening fades,
   you call forth songs of joy.

My zinnias are blooming.

This time of year, as I'm driving through the country toward my hometown to visit family, I roll past fields of soybeans and signs with sweet corn for sale. Abundant gardens filled with tomatoes, green beans, and cucumbers catch my eye, and one home offers pick your own flowers. The cosmos and zinnias dance in the breeze, inviting people to stop by and cut a bouquet.

My daughter, Maggie, and her husband, Michael, grew a lovely garden this year. From their abundance, she gave us green beans and zucchini, and I can't wait to see her blue pumpkins. As I sat in my chair and snapped the beans, I considered how amazing it is that God gave us so many incredible plants. He offers a variety for us to eat and a multitude to enjoy.

The zinnias I planted from seed have sprouted and bloomed. Their rainbow of color welcomes people to our door and brings joy to my day.

I am in awe of all God created. From the tiny pea to the giant redwood, the woods to the rainforest, the ocean to the mountains, everything He made He gave us to explore, discover, use, and enjoy. God also gave us responsibility to take care of the earth and the natural resources He provided. As I soak in the beauty, I long for us to appreciate and care for the environment we live in.

The whole earth is filled with wonder and I rejoice in God, the Creator of everything. Even as I love all the plants and animals, I adore and worship the One who made them, and I'm thankful for the bounty of summer and the beauty of the season.

Thank God for His gift of creation and rejoice in Him.

 

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Shout Joy!

The zinnias I planted this year have bloomed with a rainbow of colors.
Every time I wander outside to look at them my heart is filled with joy.
Yes it's a little thing, these flowers, but the joy is deep
because it's rooted in God.

No matter the day or circumstance, 
my heart leaps with joy when I think of my Savior, Jesus.


 

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Better Days

The days I take the time to pray first thing in the morning
give me the confidence and courage I need to face a new day. 
Those days may not have better circumstances, or the best news, 
but I'm prepared because I've opened my heart to God 
and asked the Holy Spirit to guide me in my actions and thoughts.

No day is perfect, but the days I talk to God are a whole lot better.


 

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

One Step at a Time

I love the Appalachian Mountains, but sometimes 
I am surrounded by a different kind of mountain that I believe I can't climb.
Sorrow, grief, achievement, expectations, too much to do, and the list goes on.

What do I do when I lift my eyes to those daunting mountains?
I look to the One who gives me the strength and courage to climb.

I lift my eyes to God and seek Him as I take the mountain step-by-step,
because I know He walks with me, and His love surrounds me.


 

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

God's Love is Personal

Sometimes when I'm praying and I'm not sure what to pray, 
this comes to mind.
"Cleanse me of anything that breaks Your heart."

God's heart hurts because of our suffering and our sin. 
Yet, He loves us so much that He bears the weight of our burdens.
I'm thankful for His incredible love.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
-Psalm 147:3
When I think of 'our' instead of 'their' in that verse,
God's love becomes personal to my soul.

 

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Love and Faithfulness

Our neighbor grows a beautiful flower garden every year. 
The other day I spied this pretty plant. 
When I looked up the name, I discovered that it's Solomon's Seal. 
That led me to Proverbs, where Solomon shared his wisdom.
In Proverbs 3:3, he advises God's people 
to bind the Lord's love and faithfulness around their necks 
and write His wisdom on their hearts. 

Keeping His love and faithfulness close to my heart
gives me courage and hope.


 

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Playing a sport as a youngster is not for the faint of heart.

I opened my calendar and spread their schedules in front of me. Grandchildren in track, baseball, and softball filled the pages, not to mention Tim’s schedule as a Red’s usher and my author obligations.

We’ve watched our children and grandchildren compete in sports for years. Tim and I even coached our own kids.

I enjoy all kinds of sports, especially when the grands are participating. Watching Eli throw the discus and shotput was a new experience. I love his attitude. He’s brand new to the sport and willing to learn. He wants to do his best. Zeke, in his baseball, has grown by leaps and bounds and this year, the coach is tapping into his potential. Again, he has a great attitude, he wants to learn and do his best. Ella Cate, in softball, is the same as are Max and Aiden in basketball and track and Dylan in tennis. All of these young folks have approached their sport with an attitude of courage and a determination to be strong in their sport. They each want to enjoy the game, but also learn and grow. They know their parents and grandparents are there cheering them on and encouraging them to do their best.

When God tapped Joshua to take over for Moses, Joshua stepped up and told the people what would happen next. God reminded him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) Several times, God reminded Joshua to be strong and have courage. And he did.

Just as we encourage and support our grandkids in their sports, God reminds us to be strong and have courage as we serve Him. That may require learning something new, spending time in His word or on our knees in prayer. God’s courage goes before me as I serve Him and minister to others. He gives me the strength and courage to do the things I hesitate to do on my own. I’m thankful for God’s love and encouragement.

Take heart, and be strong and courageous.

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Overwhelmed with Peace and Hope

Daniel 6:25-27
Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God
    and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
    his dominion will never end.
He rescues and he saves;
    he performs signs and wonders
    in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
    from the power of the lions.”

I felt like I could touch the hand of God.

In Hannah’s Rav-4, we wound around the hairpin curves and climbed the mountain. Surrounded by evergreens and the sweet spring green of budding trees, I soaked in the beauty of God’s incredible creation. The redbuds popped and the white dogwood waved in the breeze. As we drove up the mountain, the clouds drew closer. At the top, beautiful and serene Pretty Place invited us to bow in reverence to the King of Kings.

Pretty Place, built near Camp Greenville, North Carolina, beckoned me to bow my head and thank the Lord for His constant presence in my life. As I stood in the open stone chapel, I watched my grandchildren and children interact. My thanks rose to God for my husband, my beautiful family, and the life I’m living. Most of all, my heart entwined with God’s grace and I thanked Him for Jesus. I bowed in reverence before the Lord and poured out gratitude. It felt good and right.

Pretty Place is a place where the reverence of God overwhelms me with peace and hope.

I’ve only visited the stone chapel twice, and both times I felt the same. I wish I could start my day there every day, but I live in Ohio. Instead, I seek God through scripture reading, devotions, and prayer. We visit the woods and sit beside the lake when we can. No matter where I am though, God is with me. He’s here in my living room, on walks with our dog, in the city, the country, no matter where I am He travels with me. And He’s with you, too.

Seek God where you are. He loves you.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Same God

Psalm 17:6-9
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show me the wonders of your great love,
    you who save by your right hand
    those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings
from the wicked who are out to destroy me,    
    from my mortal enemies who surround me.

I see the moon and the moon sees me.

The night sky reminds me I see the same moon and stars as my niece in England or my friend in Missouri. That brilliant heavenly body connects me to my family, friends, and folks around the world.

Our youngest daughter and her husband live in South Carolina and it’s a comfort to me we see the same sky. Even though we are not close in proximity, we share a similar view. When our family, who lives close by, sends photos of rainbows or sunsets, and I can see the same ones from where I’m standing, it’s a joy to know we see the same bits of creation. They join us with each other and with God.

On Sunday, the praise band led us in the song Same God by Elevation Worship. The lyrics reminded me of all the people throughout history who called on the same God I call on today. Moses, Jacob, Mary, and so many more lifted their prayers to the Father, the same One I speak to daily. It kind of blows my mind that I’m talking to the same God Noah prayed to, or Esther. The same One who people around the world take their cares to is the same one who listens and has listened for centuries.

I love what David says in Psalm 17. He calls on God, who answers, turns His ear, and hears our prayers. Then he asks many of the same things I seek for myself and my family and friends: keep me close, protect me, hide me in your wings. Praying to the same God as my ancestors fills my heart with comfort and joy.

Keep praying to the same God who remains steadfast and faithful.

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Throwing the Rug in the Wash

Ephesians 1:7-10
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,  he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

I’d put off cleaning the bathroom.

ConfessionI don’t like to clean. Oh, I love the results, a shiny sink, sparkling toilet, and glistening shower, but I need motivation to make it happen.

After I gave Rosie May a bath, and I got as wet as she did, I scrubbed the shower, shined the mirror and overall cleaned the bathroom. We have a beautiful crocheted rug, in a hue of rainbow colors, a friend made for me. I tossed that one and the shower mat in the washer. After everything sparkled, I laid the rugs on the floor. The difference between the dirty rug I washed and the clean rug I pulled out of the dryer was remarkable. The colors shone and brightened the room.

At times in my life, my heart resembled the dirty rug. Muted colors replaced vibrancy. Like the dirt, sin darkened my joy and sucked the life out of me. Then Jesus took my sin, my filth, the garbage in my life, and washed it all away. He carried sin to the cross and died with it there, but the beautiful thing is, He rose on the third day and with open arms offers a way out of negativity, addiction, sorrow, suffering, mistakesyou get the idea. In Jesus, there is hope. Through Jesus, God wants to lavish His grace on us. His grace cleanses the soul and restores vibrancy with joy and hope.

I’m thankful Jesus loves me more than I understand.

Seek Jesus and ask Him to cleanse your soul.

Saturday, February 18, 2023

The Goodness of God

Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I’ve been thinking about the word goodness this week. 

Goodness is listed as a fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22. The dictionary tells me goodness is moral excellence, a kindly feeling, generosity, and virtue.

When I think of pure goodness, I remember the sweet faces of my girls as newborns. Looking into their eyes, I saw the purest elements of humankind.

When God created the garden of Eden and all the beautiful natural elements, He said, “It is good.” Everything shone with goodness, before the wretched snake (Satan) slithered in and tempted Adam and Eve. Once they indulged in the fruit of the tree of life, the goodness faded. Sin scarred the purity of the earth and the moral excellence.

Yet God had a plan. He had given the humans the freedom to choose, and He knew they would choose poorly.

When I worked in the elementary school library, I would ask the students about good and bad choices. “Was it a good choice to leave a library book in the rain?” “Should you leave your book where the dog can gnaw on it?” You get the idea.

Years ago, I made the choice to accept Jesus as my Savior—best choice I ever made. With Jesus as my Lord, I have goodness in my life. I’m not perfect, I sin, I make mistakes, but God pours His goodness over me. He keeps showing up. His goodness and love follow me all the days of my life. And I’m so very thankful. With His goodness in my life, I continue to grow as a believer. I have confidence in His salvation, and I have the hope of heaven.

Let God’s goodness pour over you.

I love this song that I heard this week. 
God shows up with His goodness.





Saturday, February 11, 2023

This Old House

Proverbs 24:3-4

By wisdom a house is built,
    and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
    with rare and beautiful treasures.

I’ve lived in 14 different homes in my lifetime.

When I was young, my parents sometimes took us for a Sunday drive to look at houses. We rolled along rural roads and through small towns. From that experience, I learned to appreciate the architecture of older homes. Some with fancy ginger breading and others with simple porches attracted my attention. To this day, I enjoy seeing some of the interesting houses in our travels.

Of the 14 different houses I’ve lived in, some of my favorites were the old farmhouses. They have so much character. I loved imagining what stories they could tell. From the farm wife toting in eggs from the chicken coop to the child sitting on her dad’s lap at the end of the day. Life was breathed into the home. Love, laughter, dinner around the kitchen table, cousins piling in, and the dog laying by the hearth. My mind weaves a tale of joy. However, I also know some houses heard the rough voices of arguing and anger. They felt the trembling of fear and sorrow. Those homes break my heart.

I also see the houses, who abandoned over time, have the life sucked out of them. They look tired, run-down, weary, and sad. I wonder at the stories they could tell.

As I compare a house or home to life lived, I see the same thing. Many people are filled with joy, peace, and love. While others may be angry or fearful or live a weary, sad life.

I could have been any of those three. We all could, but when I accepted Jesus’ invitation to follow and love Him, my life found the joy, love, and peace I longed for. Even in times of sadness and difficulty, Jesus’ love carries me. I no longer live as a slave to fear, anger, sadness, and sorrow. Instead, Jesus poured His love and grace into me and loves me more than I could imagine.

I want my home to be a place of love and peace, reflected in Jesus, just as I want my life to shine for the Lord.

Does your home reflect Jesus’ love? Does your life?