Is Your Heart Troubled?

John 14:25-27
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Some years ago, Tim had to have a heart valve replaced. Even though he was the one with a physical ailment, my heart was troubled, while at the same time thankful. Troubled because we had to go through surgery involving the organ that kept him alive and thankful the doctors had discovered the issue in time to correct it. Praise God, the surgery went well and every check-up since has been excellent. Yet, returning each year for the doctor to take a look brings me a bit of anxiety, but Jesus’ peace covers me.

At the rate of speed life changes and everyday expectations shift, fear rears its ugly head. And I do mean ugly. When Jesus shared his future with His disciples, he knew he had to prepare them for change, sorrow, verbal attacks, and outright anguish. In His wisdom and truth, He assured them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, would dwell with them and teach and guide them. Jesus left His peace with them. He asked them not to allow their hearts to be troubled, but to be at peace.

We have this promise today as followers and believers in Jesus. His peace passes any understanding I have and creates a calm and trustworthy hope as I maneuver through this world. I have to choose His peace and allow it to work in me by trusting Jesus.

No one said life would be easy, but with Jesus it’s a whole lot better.

Seek His peace.

Heart Health

Colossians 1:9-12
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 

I eat blueberries every morning. 

I’ve spent a week at my daughter’s house to help her after knee surgery. Hannah and Stephen have three blueberry bushes in their backyard. In all of my 66 years, I’ve never picked fresh blueberries. The night before surgery, we went outside in the South Carolina heat and tugged the pretty blueberries from the bushes and blackberries from an adjacent bush.

I found the colors of the blueberries in their various stages of growth pleasing as well as the soft shade of green of the leaves. One morning while I was there, a friend of Hannah’s brought her two small children to pick some berries. I showed the little boy the difference between the ripe berries and the small green ones just growing, and the red ones, at the in between stage. He and his little sister did well differentiating between them.

As we picked, the verses in Colossians came to mind as I thought about the various stages of development. The little green orbs reminded me to bear fruit, while the red ones encouraged me to grow in the knowledge and word of God, and the sweet blue ones gave me hope of being strengthened by God and filled with joy.

While blueberries offer positive effects like antioxidants and better heart health, the Holy Spirit dwells with me and gives me endurance and patience every day, plus the best spiritual heart health, ever.

I’m thankful God created blueberries, and I’m grateful He sent his Spirit to help me through the everyday challenges of life on earth.

Thank you, Father, for your love.

Inside Out

Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
     but envy rots the bones.

As I walked along the vegetable aisle at the local grocery store, I searched for a red pepper. The one I found shone with a healthy red color and felt firm to the touch. I held it up, and the skin appeared perfect, not one blemish, and the stem still held its green color. 

I’d found the perfect red pepper. After I arrived home, I set out the vegetables I wanted in my salad. I chopped the broccoli into small sections, cut up some carrots and celery, and sliced a few olives in half. Then I prepared to cut into that beautiful pepper.

The knife slid through the skin and pulp and the pepper fell open. I couldn’t believe what I saw. Rot. The entire inside of the perfect red pepper was covered in mold. I’m sure you’ve guessed—I threw it in the garbage. I couldn’t eat a rotten red pepper. Disappointment filled me. I had looked forward to the flavor it would add to my salad.

The pepper reminded me of social media. We tend to put our best foot forward, share pictures of what appears to be a somewhat perfect life, yet in reality, no one has a perfect life. There’s not a thing wrong with sharing the positive and uplifting days. It’s encouraging, but I have to remember that everyone else goes through trials and difficulties. I guard against the envy I might feel for what others have or do by inviting God’s peace and contentment into my heart.

Instead of projecting a perfect appearance, I try to be myself. Whether on social media or in person, if you meet me, you’ll likely see warts and all. I don’t want to be the person who looks perfect on the outside but is rotting inside. I’d rather be my imperfect self and have the love of Jesus in my heart and the Holy Spirit in my soul so I might have a peace filled life.

Have a heart at peace by loving Jesus.

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.

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

 

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.

 

Guard Your Heart

When the heart hurts, we hurt all over. 

The very life blood that flows through us pumps through the heart.

When I read this verse, I'm reminded to protect and seek protection for the most vulnerable part of me.

If I allow my heart to harden or be bogged down with doubt or hate, 

the love I have for people diminishes.

God has called me to love Him and love people.

Lord keep my heart spiritually healthy so your love flows freely from it.

 

Anxiety and a Pair of Jeans

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Shopping for jeans raises my anxiety.

After a hot summer, I’m ready for the cool air of autumn. With the change in temperature comes the need for new jeans, part of my standard retirement uniform. I’ve worn out the ones I bought a few years ago, so I gathered my courage (because I need that to try on pants) and went to the store where I bought my last pair. The bins and racks oozed with denim, but every pair I looked at either had pre-ripped holes (I’m too old for those) or buttons instead of a zipper, again, too old. No classic jeans existed. As my anxiety rose and my frustration with it, my daughter, who came to the store separate from me, saw me and creeped up on me and scared the beejeebers out of me (of course we laughed about it—later.)

The whole shopping experience made my anxiety go through the ceiling. I vowed to wear my thread-bare jeans and forget shopping. Then Kohl’s dinged my inbox with a 40% off coupon. Could I try one more time? Yes, I did, and I came home with a pair of classic “mom” jeans and a cute Peanuts t-shirt. I’m thankful that despite my anxiety, I tried one more time.

I laugh now about the ridiculousness of trying to find a pair of jeans, but the anxiety I’ve dealt with throughout my life isn’t funny. The truth is, being anxious leaves me exhausted. I’m so thankful Paul addresses it in these verses. God understands. He reminds us to stop and pray, ponder on thankfulness, and He’ll pour peace into our hearts and minds. Without doubt, I know this to be true.

Full disclosure: I have a medical issue that causes anxiety and with the help of medicine, I am much better. But I also know that without God, I’d be in a heap of trouble. My go to is prayer, always. I’m so grateful I can talk to God about everything, including a frustrating shopping trip. Philippians 4:6-7 is one of the verses I cling to—to get me through life.

Pray first, always.

Work With All My Heart

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 

My grandson floated back to his seat on a cloud of joy.

I’m a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds. Twenty-twenty-two hasn’t been their best year, yet they still show up and work hard. Due to decisions from management, we lost some good players, but the ones left on the team, like Votto, Farmer, and India put in the effort and play their hearts out.

They work out, practice, and show up, even through injury, and use their God-given talent to play the game. Recently my daughter, Maggie, and my grands, Dylan and Zeke, and I attended a game. Zeke loves baseball and plays on a summer team. As he and I entered the stadium, he hoped to catch a practice ball from the opposing team. He not only caught one, the player for the Marlins signed it. Then when he saw the Reds players in the dugout, he hustled over and thought he might have a shot at an autograph on the ball he brought with him. He held the ball out and none other than Joey Votto autographed it. Votto and the Marlins player didn’t have to autograph anything, but they took their job beyond what was expected.

In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul gives a directive that whatever we work at, whether at home, at a job, or in the church, work as if it is for the Lord. God has given each one of us different talents. We can use those talents to glorify Him by doing our best and going beyond what’s expected. It’s easy to get discouraged in a job, but sometimes we have to choose to do our best despite the circumstances. I worked for many years in libraries, where I was challenged and frustrated at times. When that happened, I had to pray or the discouragement would overwhelm me. The same with my writing. I doubt myself, but have to remember God is the One who called me to write.

In whatever I do, I strive to work with all my heart and do my best.

Work with all your heart to glorify God.

God Hears My Heart

Sometimes a burden lays on my heart and words won't come.

I want to pray, but I can't.

I'm too sad, too worried, too excited, or too distracted.

The beautiful thing is, God doesn't have to hear my words 

because he knows what's on my heart.

He Has my Heart

As a believer in God, Jesus is asking me to also believe in Him.

And why wouldn't I? 

As sure as the flowers bloom in the spring, Jesus loves me.

He has my heart and protects my soul.

Life may not be easy, but I have the one who eases the pain and gives me joy.

 

Mom Lived Ninety-five Years

Mom taught me a lot of things...

to finish my work

to work with my hands

to read and respect the written word

to love fiercely

to laugh

to cry

to hug

to cherish my family

to grow flowers

to love Jesus and share His hope.

Thank you, Mom

In remembrance of my mother, Maxine Frost

1927-2022

 

He Heals Broken Hearts

Psalm 147:3-5

He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars
    and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
    his understanding has no limit.

The gash on my leg hurt. 

Several years ago Tim and I purchased a home that needed a lot of tender loving care. One day my daughters and I cleaned and painted in the various rooms of the old place. Clumsy as I am, I tripped over a medicine cabinet and something sliced into my shin. Blood spurted everywhere, at least it seemed like it to me who has no inclination toward any kind of medical care. My leg throbbed, and I screamed like a five-year old. Sara and Hannah came running to my rescue and assured me the wound wasn't as bad as it appeared. Still I needed help. About the time the girls calmed me, my mom and nephew stopped by to check the progress of the house. Bless that boy's heart, he took me to the clinic in town where the physician cleaned my leg and bandaged the wound.

Medical folks mend the brokenness of physical bodies. God heals the brokenness of souls. Oh, how the spirit cries when someone leaves this world. My heart breaks over the losses caused by COVID, cancer, and any other tragedy. Yet, even in the midst of the hurt, the anger, the frustration, the inability to understand, God gives hope. He holds His hands out to the broken, wraps His arms around the weary, lifts up the fallen and binds the wounds.

The doctor wrapped a bandage around my leg, gave me a tetanus shot and sent me on my way to be healed. God wraps His arms around me and keeps me close. He embraces me as He heals my heart.

A wounded soul takes time to heal, it’s a process. In the healing, scars may form and remind me of the pain I experienced, but they also remind me of the One who loves me more than I understand. I am limited in my understanding of why life happens the way it does, but God, the Great Physician, understands and knows the outcome. My hope lies in His wisdom.

Ask God to bind the wounds of your heart.

The Blessing of Giving

The other day, Tim surprised me with this beautiful leaf.

Why would Tim pick a leaf up and carry it to me?

Simple answer--because Tim knows my heart.

He understands and embraces my love of nature.

Over the years, he has listened and cares about what I care about.

Tim's gift blessed my heart.

As I prepare my heart for Thanksgiving and Christmas;

I consider what Jesus gave--his life for my sins.

I thank God for His grace and love.

 

He Strengthens our Hearts

Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart.

The good news is, God will strengthen us. 

Bible reading, prayer, and relationship build spiritual muscles that include our hearts.

I pray He strengthens your hearts as we live for Him.

 

Nothing Greater

Mark 12:30-31

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

Seagulls swooped around the pier.

At Huntington Beach in northern Ohio, the seagulls flew about in search of food. A heron rested on the rocks and watched. Before long a seagull padded over to squat beside the heron. The bigger bird didn't move, he allowed the little fellow into his space without quarrel. Side-by-side they perched on the rocks, two very different, yet beautiful birds.

As I watched these two, I thought about how God created people as unique beings who populate the same planet. I'll admit, I've come across a few folks I didn't want to share space with. Yet, God called me to love.

I've heard Jesus' words in Mark many times, but some days, I need reminded. I might be the heron minding my own business, when the seagull pops in and sits beside me. Or the other way around. No doubt someone out there doesn't want me sitting beside them. That's okay.

My mom told me years ago, "You don't have to like everyone, but you do need to love them." That's what God calls me to do. I may not agree, but I can love. I may not like, but I am called to love.

Is it always easy? Nope. But who said life, as a follower of Jesus, was easy? Does it take patience? Yes, and kindness, gentleness, self-control and all of the fruit of the Spirit God gives me.

When I love God with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, I will love my neighbor. Not just my physical neighbors, but the people I interact with on social media, too. Jesus also says to love myself. He wants me to care about my physical, spiritual, and mental being.

Love God. Love neighbors. Love ourselves. God created people to care for each other. Let's do this.

The Color of the Flowers

 Tim and I traveled to Lake Erie recently. 

So many vibrant flowers bloomed at the homes and parks.

We spied this flower bed in Vermilion, Ohio. 

Don't you just love the colors? I do. 

I enjoy puttering in my little flower bed where 

I feel close to God, surrounded by his natural creation.

How about you? Do you enjoy the beauty of flowers?

Encourage With Kind Words

Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I didn’t care about fashion. Shopping left me exhausted, and my hair style skills stopped with braids.

Growing up, I was a tomboy. I’d rather climb a tree or tromp through the woods, than primp and play with make-up. Then God gave me three girls. Instead of focusing on their appearance (although they were always beautiful) I made a point to instill in them the importance of encouraging and loving each other. Many times through the years, I gave a speech reminding them their friends might come and go, but your sister will always be your sister.

It’s been a joy for me to see my girls grow close to each other and support one another. Despite my inability to raise girls in a girly way, God helped me teach them a love for truth, independence to know they could accomplish what the Lord set before them, and the desire to encourage and help others.

There is a meme on social media that says something like, “Be the woman who fixes another woman's crown without telling the world it was crooked.” Men and women, we all need to encourage each other with kind words and heartfelt gestures. Don’t point out the difficulty, instead quietly lend a loving hand and encourage your friend, family member, or even a stranger.

The Hebrews writer says to urge each other to love. What’s that look like? In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 we find love is patient, kind, thankful, humble, unselfish, calm, and doesn’t carry grudges, rejoices with the truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. That’s quite a list, but if each of us would embrace the love God outlined, we’d build each other up and find the world a kinder more considerate place.

As Jesus’ followers were not called to judge and fight, we’re asked to remind others of their worth to God. He created every one of us in his image. An image which includes loving others. He knows our hearts and has a desire for us to love Him and the people around us.

Encourage one another with kind words and heartfelt gestures.

 

Take Heart

Psalm 31:24 is a great reminder of hope. 

As we wade the waters of uncertainty and change, keep your eyes on the one who offers hope. No matter what's going on each day, God remains the same, a light in darkness, joy in distress, peace in turmoil. Take heart and trust the Creator of life.

The Struggle is Real

Psalm 30:11-12

You turned my wailing into dancing;
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

This week my anger flared.

Tim and I are doing well. We fill our days and enjoy each other's company. We're thankful we have a safe place to live and food on the table. Yet, my anger toward this COVID-19 virus reached a peak this week. I'm grieving the fact that I can't see my family, hug my children, or play with my grandkids. Tim and I can't go out for dinner at a restaurant. We can't attend church with the congregation. I walk in my neighborhood, but fear I might catch the virus. As I wallowed in my discontent, my fibromyalgia flared and made me even more miserable.

That was Tuesday.

On Wednesday, hope filled my heart. The ire dissipated and joy sang out. So often, I must walk through the darkness before I appreciate the light. As they say, "The struggle is real." Our mental health is being tested. So is our faith.

Dale Chihuly glass art  

Maybe anger eats at you, depression dogs your days, or anxiety attacks. I've suffered them all through the stay-at-home corona days. But I've also experienced joy through the Holy Spirit. When I get over myself and hand my cares to God through prayer, the Spirit fills my soul with joy and a peace that passes understanding. When I stop to thank God for my circumstances and ask Him to forgive my selfishness, he turns my grumbles into dancing, my grief into joy. I'm so grateful that God loves me even when I'm unlovable.

As my faith grows and stretches, I praise God for his continued love and grace.

How have you dealt with all the baggage of these stay-at-home times?
Are you taking care of yourself?
Physically, mentally and spiritually?

Even a few minutes in God's word and in prayer eases the stress.