Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Rev. 5:13
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Easter May Be Over But...
Saturday, April 8, 2023
He Defeated Death
Matthew 28:1-6
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the
week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There
was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from
heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His
appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The
guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 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.
His enemies crucified Him on Friday. On Saturday, His
people mourned. On Sunday, Mary Magdelene and Mary witnessed a miracle.
Jesus died on a cross, one of the cruelest punishments of
that time. His enemies tortured Him, spit on Him, and mocked Him. Yet, Jesus
loved them. He longed for them to be part of His kingdom.
I started watching The Chosen this week. Experiencing how people may have lived, at the time Jesus walked the earth, draws me closer to understanding the life and love of Jesus. He longed for people to trust Him and place their hope in His father. The people of that time had waited for the Messiah to arrive. Some thought he’d wear a crown as royalty, while others pictured a warrior in uniform. Instead, God sent His son, a humble servant who came to die, so we can live.
This weekend, as you celebrate Easter, focus on Jesus’
precious gift of life. God’s Son came to earth as part of God’s plan that gives
us a path to heaven, a path I don’t deserve. Yet, Jesus took on our sins, died,
and rose again.
He defeated death and rejoices in life!
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Glory of Tulips
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.
Confession—I 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, mistakes—you 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.
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Ah, Kindness
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?
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Faith
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Hope
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Are You Prepared to Celebrate?
Luke 2:4-5
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.
“Be prepared, just not to be safe, but to be a faithful
servant of God.”-Didi Bacon
Christmas takes preparation. With five children, four with spouses, and eleven grands, I have to begin preparing for the holidays early, because I prefer to take my time rather than stress.
For Christmas dinner, I keep it simple. Yet, the meal takes organization.
Yesterday, I spent a chunk of the day cooking hamburger for sloppy joes and chopping
peppers for pizza dip. When I finished, I tucked both into the freezer until
December 24. As I stirred the burger and cooked the pink out, my mind wandered
to Joseph and Mary. Weird, I know, but that’s how my brain works.
God had chosen Mary to be Jesus’ momma, and he picked Joseph
as Jesus’ earthly father because Joseph was a man of integrity who loved God. Obviously,
Joseph took care of Mary. When he heard Caesar Augustus called for them to travel
to Bethlehem for the census, he loaded the donkey (at least that's what we learned in Sunday school,) and he and Mary joined the
caravan on the journey. I’ve no doubt Joseph packed water and snacks, along
with blankets and bags of clothes. He prepared for the long trip, but he didn’t
stop there. His most important preparation wasn’t food or clothes, instead he
took the time to prepare his heart.
Joseph had accepted his role in the coming of King Jesus.
With willingness, Joseph humbled his heart and opened his mind to the changes
coming to his family. He looked to God with a servant’s heart and accepted the
part God asked him to take on. He chose to love the One who would change the
world, even as he raised Jesus as his son.
Joseph’s willingness to accept his circumstances kind of
blows my mind. His faith was extraordinary. His actions push me to prepare for Christmas, not in gift giving and cooking, but more
importantly, to prepare my heart to worship the King.
Christmas is about Jesus. He’s the reason we celebrate. With
humility, I ask God to open my eyes and heart in service to Him.
Prepare your heart to worship God and serve Him in this holy
season.
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
The Star
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Heavenly Delight
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Jesus gives the true joy of the season.
In the book, Blessed
are the Misfits, Brant Hansen, Star 93.3 radio DJ, poses the question,
"Can a person have depression and joy at the same time?" That got me
to thinking, can we invite joy into our hearts during the holidays, regardless
of our circumstances or our feelings? Can I be joyful during the holidays even
when...
I'm a single parent and, by America's standards, I
can't buy what my children want...
I've lost a loved one who won't be there to wish a
Merry Christmas...
I'm a high school student who has no close
friends...
I'm a college student struggling to balance work and
school...
I'm a parent rushing from activity to activity just
trying to get it all done...
I’m single and all my friends are in couples...
I'm a soldier, out of the country, with no hope of
being home for the holidays...
I’m sick and not sure I can celebrate...
I'm just overwhelmed with all the preparation of Christmas...
I haven't experienced all of these scenarios, but
I've had my share of struggles
during the holidays. Circumstances that could
have stolen every speck of joy from my heart. Yet, God shined on me through His
people and His word. I found if I could hold on to one little twinkle of joy in
my heart, the fire would burn and spark delight in my soul.
Joy filled the wise men's hearts when they saw the star and realized Jesus was nearby. He is for us, too. Jesus is here with the joy we desire. Not happiness that's fleeting, but joy that underlies all circumstances. Even when everything seems difficult, frustrating, or hopeless Jesus' joy is like a buoy that helps me through the tough times. I think of it as heavenly delight that fills my soul.
I pray this Christmas you’ll seek hope in Jesus and discover
His spark of amazing joy.
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Give Thanks and Praise
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
We All Struggle
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Thankful for Communion
Mark 14:22-25
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had
given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take
it; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured
out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink
again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the
kingdom of God.”
I remember getting into trouble as a child during
communion.
When I was a little girl, before the establishment of junior
church, I sat with my parents in the pew and listened to the sermon, sang the
songs, and tried to behave. One Sunday, when the deacons passed the communion
plates of little wafers of bread and tiny cups of juice, I got curious. I
reached to take a piece and my mom let me know that was not the thing to do. If
I remember correctly, she took me by the hand and took me outside to explain
why. From that point on I didn’t touch the trays until I confessed my love for
Jesus and was baptized.
From the day I became a believer, I’ve been enamored with
the time of communion at church. That moment when I bow my head and consider
the sacrifice Jesus gave for me and the grace He pours over me. He didn’t have
to die. He could have lived on earth and just been a good guy. Instead, Jesus came
and took on my sins and burdens. He called the weary, the poor, the hurting,
the sinners, and the saints to Him. I’m beyond thankful that God created a way
for people to come into a relationship with Him. I’m also thankful my mom
taught me what communing with God meant. I’d be lost without my Jesus.
In this month of Thanksgiving, reflect on Jesus and the
burden He carries for us.
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Value Others
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility
value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each
of you to the interests of the others.
What would the world look like if we truly valued people?
My granddaughter, Dylan, and her best friend, Emma, have played doubles tennis together for three years. The day I dropped Dylan off for her first practice, she was the only student who showed up. A few days later, more girls joined, and she had recruited Emma to play with her.
In the last three years, I’ve watched these young ladies grow in the game. They’ve improved their serves, thought through their strategies, and learned to slam the ball, when needed. Their prowess on the court has grown from uncertain to confident. And more importantly, they’ve learned to trust each other. They don’t play for themselves or try to steal the limelight. Instead, they encourage each other and value the other one’s skills. I love watching them because they play as a team, dependent on one another. As a matter of fact, their whole team cheers for and champions each other.
What would the church look like if we did that?
Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians to encourage them and to advise on how to live life together as believers. His writing emphasizes the opposite of the ‘me first’ mentality. Instead, he instructed the people of the church of Philippi to humble themselves as Jesus did when He lived life on earth.
Jesus humbled Himself to the point of being a servant to the people He met.
He didn’t bang His chest and command attention. Instead, He lifted people up
with His words, He washed the feet of the disciples, and He healed the broken
and wounded. Jesus, by example, taught how to love other people and placed
great value on everyone.
Be a team player and encourage each other.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
He Lights the Way
Saturday, August 27, 2022
The Son Will Raise Me Up
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a
great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin
that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race
marked out for us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him
he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so
that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Rain beat against the window and thunder roared
through the sky. Clouds dumped water on the garden and drenched the flowers.
When I walked outside the next day, the black-eyed Susans looked like they’d
seen better days. The wind and rain had pummeled the plants and knocked petals
to the ground. The lengthy stems sprawled across the flower bed. This time of
year, their days are numbered, but I’m hoping they rally for a few more weeks
and wave their golden heads in the breeze.
During Jesus journey on this earth, He met great
opposition. Religious leaders, sinners, political leaders took it upon
themselves to destroy the Son of God. They ridiculed Him and eventually killed
Him. But the beautiful thing is, Jesus rose from death and proclaimed victory
over sin. He conquered death to give life to anyone who believes and loves Him.
Because of Jesus love and sacrifice, I won’t lose heart.
My black-eyed Susans might lay down after the
storm, but the sun will raise them up to bloom a bit longer. I may fall into
temptation or simply grow weary, but the Son will raise me up and give me
strength to keep going.
Jesus’ death and resurrection encourage me to endure
as I keep moving forward. I won’t grow weary or lose heart because I have faith
in Jesus.
Trust Him with your heart.
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Life Compared to Algebra
1 Corinthians 2:9-13
However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit
searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s
thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one
knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have
received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from
God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what
we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by
the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.
Some
things are hard to comprehend. My granddaughter and her friend
In high school, we split into groups according to what we wanted to do after we graduated. I was in the college prep program with specific classes assigned. The school required I take algebra 1 & 2 and geometry. I’m not ashamed to admit, I didn’t enjoy algebra or even begin to understand it. I felt frustrated because I couldn’t wrap my head around the concepts. I struggled through and managed to pass, but I still don’t enjoy math.
Life,
compared to algebra, has proven to be much harder at times, but as a follower
and believer in Jesus, I’ve been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. At times
understanding the supernatural abilities of the Holy Spirit seems out of reach,
yet the Spirit knows me and knows God better than anyone. The Spirit
understands my needs, helps me navigate the world and keeps me on the path God
created for me.
I love the
words in 1 Corinthians 2:9; “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and
what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love
him.” God has revealed through the Spirit the very life He has prepared for me.
It sounds so simple, but without faith is so hard to comprehend. God had given
his followers the Holy Spirit as a guide, a wisdom revealer, a prayer, and a
caretaker. In faith, I trust the Holy Spirit to guide me and whisper to me what
I need to know.
Even though
I don’t understand the supernatural elements of God, Jesus, and the Holy
Spirit, I know the Three-in-One loves me and wants the best for me.
Trust the
Holy Spirit’s lead.
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Fiction Review: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip: A Novel by Sara Brunsvold
Book Description:
Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment
than the fluff pieces she's been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas
City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial
task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who's just entered
hospice care.
But there's more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian
may be dying, but she's not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy
away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young
reporter into her life for a reason. And if it's a story Aidyn Kelley wants,
that's just what Mrs. Kip will give her--but she's going to have to work for
it.
Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational
story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little
deaths to self. You'll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!
My Thoughts:
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip took great talent and understanding
to write. Brunsvold created a beautiful story of life and death that touched on
every emotion. Clara Kip believes in God and trusts Him in everything, but only
after life had tromped on her heart. Aidyn Kelley wants to succeed as the journalist
she knows she can be, if only the editor would give her the chance. Through connections
unknown to Aidyn, she is given an assignment that involves Mrs. Kip. The more
she learns about the woman, the more fascinated she becomes. If you want to
read a story that tugs at the heart-strings and leaves you with hope, this one
is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in
this review are completely my own.
Saturday, July 2, 2022
When Temptation Comes
1
Corinthians 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No
temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is
faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can
bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so
that you can endure it.
The rocks
along the shore wore green algae like a coat. The waves washed over the slick
surface and presented a tempting place to walk.
We sat on
the boulders near the lighthouse and watched people meander as close to the
water as they could. On a hot summer day, folks were tempted to let the cool
water run over their feet and relieve the heat. Moms and Dads held the hands of
their little ones or carried them on their hip. One misstep on the mossy rocks
could result in injury. Yet, the water tempted.
In 1
Corinthians, the author wrote to the Corinthian church about temptation. They had
been enticed by sins common to their times, much like the sins that tempt
people now. As I watched the water slide over the moss-covered rock, and I
thought about how slippery the surface must be, and how the allure of the cool
water on the soft algae might feel—I pictured Satan whispering to come test
the waters.
That’s how
he works. He sets up an alluring situation, crooks his evil finger, and invites
anyone he can fool to come to his side.
Be aware of
the trickster, the one who invites people down the road of sin and rewards with
heartache and sorrow. One step on those moss-covered rocks and down the person
would go—inevitably injury would follow.
Corinthians
doesn’t just warn against temptation, the author shares good news, the best
news—God has His hand out to help me if or when I fall. He gives
me a way out of sin and temptation. Through Jesus, God gives a fresh start, a
new life, and the hope of heaven. That’s a reason to sing praise to God.
Through Jesus
life, death, and resurrection, He gives everyone the opportunity to be forgiven
and be with Him in heaven. His hand is reaching out to anyone who wants to grab
on.
When
temptation comes, seek Jesus.