Don't Stop Praying

Acts 1:13-14
When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Prayer is not a last resort—it is our most powerful weapon.

A newspaper clipping was making the rounds on Facebook that asked everyone to stop what they were doing and pray for our country for one minute. If we as believers, in the power of prayer to our heavenly Father, asked for deliverance, wisdom, and truth—imagine the outcome.

At times, I've flung up a prayer in desperation, not realizing the powerful tool I had at my fingertips. Think about it, as a fumbling human, I have the opportunity to speak directly to the Creator of the universe. I can call on Him any time, and He hears me. That's incredible!

Not only does He hear me, He cares about whatever I'm asking.

In Acts chapter one, the apostles and followers of Jesus found themselves at a loss. Their beloved teacher and friend had died. Yes, he rose from the grave, but his closest cohorts found themselves without their friend and leader. They needed to move forward and establish the church but were perplexed about the situation.

They didn't sit around and grumble—they prayed—and not just a few words aimed toward God, they talked to Him constantly. The folks who knew and loved Jesus talked to God all the time, to seek guidance and direction for their lives and for the church.

These days I find I have much to pray about—folks who are ill, our military, Christians who are suffering at the hands of evil, the unrest in our country, my family and friends, my writing, and so much more.

God calls me to pray. To seek Him, to talk to Him about the concerns of my heart. I won't get a better offer.

Pray constantly to the One who listens.

Matthew West sings the song of my heart, right now. Please, take a listen.

Are You Ready?

Mark 1:1-3
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way”—
“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

It's baseball season.

I had the joy of attending a Cincinnati Reds baseball game with my granddaughter and her boyfriend. We sat in my husband’s section, where he ushers. Before the game, I was watching the behind-the-scenes action on the field. One of the field crew smoothed the dirt with a drag matt he pulled behind his small tractor. After he finished, a crew brought out a water hose and doused the dirt. I had watched this process before, at other games, but at this game it reminded me of how many people it takes to get things ready ahead of time.

The folks in the concession stand, the ticket takers, security, ushers and more, get the baseball stadium ready for the fans and players.

Isaiah prophesied about the preparation for the coming Messiah. John the Baptist got things ready. He preached of one coming who would reconcile people with God. He prepared the way for Jesus. Without John, the listeners may not have believed Jesus was the Son of God.

Jesus lived on this earth, died for our sins, and rose again in victory over the grave. Now we have one more thing to prepare for. His return. He’ll come on clouds of glory and welcome God’s children home.

How am I preparing for that? Reading the Bible to better understand the life God wants me to lead. Praying for my loved ones and folks in need and talking to God about my own salvation. Attempting to live a life that reflects the love of Jesus on others. Loving God and loving people.

Be ready for Jesus’ return. He’s coming back.

Entwined

Sometimes when I see flowers, I'm reminded of how life works.

These two double lilies make me think of my dear friends 

who help me navigate life. We share prayer requests, hallelujahs,

joys, and sorrows as we're entwined together by Jesus.

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11 

 

Reconciled

John 14:5-7
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”-Jesus

My dad worked with his hands. As a welder, he could fix anything made of metal. He repaired cars, faucets, bicycles, and about anything we broke. When I was an adult, I still called on him to fix things.

We saw him for the work of his hands, but as I’ve aged and gained some wisdom, I’ve realized how much dad worked with his brain. His hands didn’t just magically fix things; no, he reasoned out what needed to be done. He had the intelligence and thought process of an engineer and even more—he cared. He loved Jesus and adored his family, especially his grandkids. If you knew my dad, you most likely knew his family.

When Jesus talked to the disciples about his future on earth, he reminded them that he needed to go about his Father’s business. Thomas didn’t understand where Jesus was going, and Jesus assured him if he knew God, he also knew him.

The only way to be reconciled with God is through his son, Jesus. They are one with each other and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He connects me to God and fills me with hope every single day. I thank Jesus for his sacrifice and taking on the sins of people like me. He didn’t have to obey his Father, and die on the cross, but he did.

My prayer is for everyone to choose to have their relationship restored with God through Jesus.

The Fragrance

John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

The essence of lavender hung in the air. 

I’ve grown lavender in my flower garden for years. One of the plants I have has moved with me three times. Usually lavender doesn’t transplant well, but this particular plant has endured. Many types of lavender don’t like rich loamy soil but want an alkaline base, instead. When I discovered how well the plant thrived in the dirt at our condo, I added two more plants, a French lavender and another English lavender. Both produce lovely purple blooms and a fragrance I love.

As long as I water the plant (they don’t need an abundance) put it in a sunny spot, and prune it when it’s time, I enjoy the fragrant smell of it all summer. I can keep the smell around longer if I gather the stems and blooms and tie them in bundles to dry for winter. Some people press the blooms and draw out the oil to use in soaps and other products.

The oil Mary used to anoint Jesus’ feet may have come from the Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family. It produces an expensive thick golden oil used sparingly. Mary understood how precious her friendship with Jesus was, and that His purpose on earth would change the world. She chose to honor His life as many would honor His death.

I’ve read that the sense of smell is the sense that brings back the most memories. The smell of lavender will always remind me of the peace and calm I feel when I’m working in my plants. For Mary, I’m sure every time she smelled the fragrance of nard, she remembered Jesus and His sacrifice.

I’ve been to the church camp a few times in the last few weeks and the smell of the woods and the dorms never changes. I’m reminded of some of my best days as a kid, when I learned how much Jesus loved me.

I hope something reminds you of Jesus every single day. Whether the smell of a flower, a picture, a kindness shown to you or that you show to others.

Jesus loves you, every day.

But I Missed It

Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Hebrews 11:39-40
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

I’d wanted to see the northern lights/aroura borealis, but I missed it. Sara had posted her photos from her yard and said, “Go outside.” So, we did. We drove out to an area with fewer lights to see if we could see it, but they never materialized. If we’d driven farther east, we may have had a chance, but we were both tired and decided to go home. We tried again the next night, but nothing materialized. But that’s okay. I enjoyed all the photos of our grandkids seeing them and all the Facebook posts.

A week later, Tim and I stopped at the local Dollar General and when we went outside, the sunset was stunning. Orange, lavender, and purple painted the sky. God put on a beautiful show of color. The amazing sky reminded me of a truth our pastor spoke of recently.

God has a better plan. I might be disappointed or devastated because my plans didn’t work out. But God had something better for me. I may not have gotten the writing opportunity I wanted, but God had a greater plan for my work.

I didn’t see the northern lights, but I did witness a glorious sunset that reminded me God is with me.

No matter the circumstances, God is faithful, and Jesus loves you. He’s always with us if we invite Him on our journey.

Ask Jesus to join you on your everyday walk.

Through God's Power

Matthew 28:5-10
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

I cannot visit the mountains without hiking to a waterfall.

My daughter Maggie and her teenagers let me tag along on a trip to Greenville, SC to visit my youngest daughter, Hannah. Hannah and Stephen are blessed to live in the beautiful Appalachian Mountain region of our country where a trip to the mountains is just a car drive away.

On one of our exploration adventures we hiked in the Dupont State Forest, southeast of Brevard, NC, to Triple Falls waterfall. I enjoyed the spring foliage and the new life popping in the forest, but at the end of the trail, the true gem awaited.

The falls roared over the rock face of the cliff, and I stood and let the water spray my face. As I reflected on the power of the falls, I considered how powerful God is and how humble and loving Jesus is. With Easter Sunday and the celebration of Jesus defeating death, the truth of Jesus’ life struck me. He lived in obedience to his Father. In living, he knew his death would come and that he’d carry the burden of sin for every person. He knew, yet he obeyed. Even as Jesus died, God knew the outcome. God’s power defeated death and he breathed life into his son and sent his angels to roll away the stone.

Jesus died and rose again from an ugly death. Through God’s power, he lives and loves and wants every soul to follow him and meet him in heaven.

I pray you have a blessed Easter and consider Jesus invitation to be your Savior.

A Joyful Soul

Song of Solomon 12: 11-12

See! The winter is past;
    the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
    the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
    is heard in our land.

Bright yellow flowers bob their heads among the purple petals.

As much as I love winter, I adore the first blooms of spring. In southern Ohio, the daffodils are popping. Have you noticed seasons have their own array of color? Right now we’re seeing a lot of yellow and purple. Forsythia bushes are waving branches of golden blossoms and vinca vines are displaying their periwinkle buds. Soon, the tulips will open and add reds and pinks to the display.

All of these flowers fill my soul with joy. Their beauty gives me hope. After the cold, dark season of winter, God graces us with a rainbow of color and days filled with sunshine.

Have you experienced a dark season? They come and go, don’t they? When I’ve traveled through a dark tunnel in life, hope shined at the end of the darkness, because I didn’t journey alone. Jesus walks with me step-by-step. As a believer in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I’m in their company every day, no matter the circumstance. The Holy Spirit dwells in my soul and guides me on the dark days and the bright days. He’s the reason I never walk alone. We don’t talk much about the Spirit, which is a shame.

God created me to have a physical body and a spiritual soul. I’m so thankful for both. Although my body is wearing out with time, the Spirit brings wisdom to my soul. Jesus’ love and grace pour into me and fill me with peace.

As spring arrives and fills the days with beauty, reflect on the hope, peace, and joy of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.

God bless you!

Saturated With His Love

Ephesians 3:16-19
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

I taste the love Jesus bestows on me.

Steam rose from the toasted English muffin. I popped it onto my plate, then scooped butter from the plastic tub. As I spread the dairy goodness over the muffin, the butter melted and oozed into every nook and cranny and soaked deep into the bread. When I bit into my breakfast, the butter melted into my mouth and filled me with delight.

The way the butter melted into every space and filled up all the dips reminded me of the way Jesus' love pours over me. His compassion drenches my heart, mind, soul, and very being. He replaces the emptiness in my soul with his power and strength. I wish I could say everyday life is easy because of Jesus' love, but that would be a lie. Pain and sin creep in. Despair and stress take over. Paul and Barnabas said in the book of Acts, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” I know living on earth has many difficulties, but I’m thinking of the ones that are difficulties we have as believers. Life differs around the world, so I can only speak of my experience. In situations where I’ve been disregarded because of my faith, or belittled, I know God's love keeps me going.

We have the promise to be filled to fullness, totally saturated with the love and joy of Jesus. Praise God for his love.

Love Never Fails

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

I read a post on Facebook recently, written to teenagers who were developing crushes. The writer advised the teen to replace the name of the person they liked for the word love in 1 Corinthians 13. I’ve also heard pastors encourage their congregation to do the same thing with their own names. It’s good advice on both counts.

Love is patient. Whoa! One of the most difficult characteristics to nurture is the very first one Paul, the author of Corinthians, mentions. I used to cringe at the word patience, because I wanted more. How ironic is that? Over time, God has helped me grow through circumstances to gain more patience.

Love is kind. We talk a lot about being kind. My granddaughter bought me a charm that said, “Kind people are my kind of people.” I love it, and I pray every day for a kinder world.

Love doesn’t envy, boast, or think more of themselves than others (pride.) Jesus gave the ultimate example of humility. The Son of God died for me and you.

Love doesn’t dishonor. I enjoy a good joke, as much as the next person, but I shouldn't put someone else down to make myself feel good. Respect others.

Love is not self-seeking. Let’s look out for each other. Time on earth is short compared to eternity, so why not take care of each other to make the journey better?

Love is not easily angered. When I was young, I had a temper, and I spent many hours praying for God to help me control it, and He did. God hears and helps.

Love keeps no records of wrongs and does not delight in evil. Start over every day, forgive, and rejoice in truth.

Love always trusts in God, hopes in Jesus, and perseveres with the Holy Spirit’s help.

Love never fails because God never fails. We can’t do this alone. We need God and each other.

Love makes a difference.

One in Heart & Mind

Acts 4:32-35
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

“A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile of creation, but look what they can do when they stick together.” -Unknown

I had the privilege of attending the OMEA Middle School band concert. Our grandson, Zeke, was selected to play his baritone with students from all over the tri-state. His band director, Mr. Glader, has done a great job encouraging his students to learn their instruments and try out for this wonderful experience. The students had two days to learn four to five songs and then perform them for an audience.

They met at a local school and worked, for the first time, to bring harmony from what could have been chaos. On Sunday afternoon, I sat with my daughter and several hundred other folks and listened to the seventh graders perform and then the eighth. The music brought joy to my heart as the kids hit all the right notes.

I love the verse in Acts 4 that says, “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” He’s talking about the church, the group of people who love and follow Jesus. Yes, as an individual, I can serve and love Jesus and tell others about him, but as a group of people with the same beliefs and goals, we can encourage one another and stand together.

Like those students who came together and didn’t know each other, but had the same goal, we can work in harmony and share God’s love and His message of grace.

Seek folks who love Jesus and lift up one another.

The Most Beautiful Plan

Luke 2:4-7
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

God had a plan for a song and His Son.

O Holy Night, one of the most popular and often sung songs at Christmas, was originally written by a French village merchant, Placide Cappeau, who was also a poet and an atheist with the music written by, Adolphe Adams, a Jewish man. Two unlikely people to pen a beautiful hymn about the birth of Jesus. The local priest wanted a new song for the Christmas season, and he had asked the local poet to write one. Eventually, the song was rejected by the church in France, due to its origins.

God wasn’t finished with O Holy Night. Abolitionist John Sullivan Dwight recognized the truth of the lyrics and brought the song to America, where people embraced the beautiful message.

When God has a plan, no one can stop Him. The most wonderful and amazing plan involved the humans He created. Even though Adam and Eve failed in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan to return people to Him. He offered His own son to the world, as a baby, who would grow to be a man, who would offer his life as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Christmas is the celebration of the Holy Night Mary delivered Jesus into our broken world. Amid the stockings and the tree, the gifts, the food, and the tinsel, stop and think about the true reason for celebration, the freedom Jesus offers and the love and grace God gives.

Merriest Christmas to you all!

Josh Groban sings my favorite rendition of O Holy Night. I hope you enjoy it.

Christmas Blessings!

Along with the books I've suggested, read Luke 2:1-19 

from the Bible and share the beautiful story of Jesus birth.

I love the fun and beauty of the season, but most of all I love Jesus.

I pray each and every reader and your family have a blessed Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

 

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.

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.

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 trinity—God, the father—Jesus, the son—and 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.

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 weapons—the 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.

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.

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.

 

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.