Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts

Saturday, March 16, 2024

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!

Saturday, December 30, 2023

The Christmas Shift

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I can’t help but turn to one of my favorite verses as I consider the new year.

Christmas didn’t turn out as I had hoped this year. Illness caused a shift in plans. Yet, we still spent time with family, as we could, and worshipped the Savior we celebrate.

I was reminded one more time, that I’m not in control. I can plan and prepare, but life sometimes takes all the lists and calendars and throws them into a blender. I don’t recognize what pours out, but I understand regardless plans work out and timing isn’t mine.

One thing I want to take from the Christmas shift is to always consider God in my plans. He knows what’s best for me and my family. You see even though I didn’t get to have things my way, I was still blessed beyond what I deserve.

As I move toward the shiny new year of 2024, I cling to Romans 15:13. I trust in God for the hope, joy, and peace He promises. I believe in Jesus, who loves me and saved me, and I cling to the Holy Spirit and His power.

I pray as you look to the new year, you’ll seek Jesus and the hope we have in him.

Blessings for 2024.

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Hark-Do You Hear Them?

Luke 2:10-14
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

You gotta love Linus!

I don’t think I’ve missed watching A Charlie Brown Christmas since the show debuted in 1965. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate Linus and his blanket. If you watch closely, when he recites the story of Jesus’ birth, he drops his security blanket. He knows his true security has come as a babe in the manger. Yes, the characters are cartoons, but the story is real. Charlie Brown represents all of us who are searching for the truth, and Linus presents it to him in the most beautiful way.

As Linus tells, the angels addressed the shepherds with good news of great joy. Years ago, a hymn called Hark How All the Welkin Rings by Charles Wesley evolved over time into Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Welkin means heavens or skies. He shared the beautiful idea of the angels, who rejoiced. Wesley’s hymn changed, but the story of Jesus’ birth remains the same. The angel approached shepherds, a lowly lot by society’s standards, and shared the good news of Jesus. That act shows me Jesus came for every one of us so we can have a relationship with His Father, God.

A few years ago, I realized I’d clung to this hymn because Linus and all his pals sang it at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas. It has stayed at the top of my favorites list for years.

As you contemplate Christmas and the love of Jesus, I hope you sing with joy.


Saturday, December 9, 2023

He Wraps me in Peace

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Peace on earth, good will to men. 

On Christmas Day 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow heard the bells tolling in Cambridge and penned the poem, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, later set to music by the English organist John Baptiste Calkin in 1872.

Longfellow had lost his wife to a fire and was left with six children. His heart ached when his oldest son returned from the Civil War with a gun shot wound. In his sorrow he sought to find hope.

I can’t imagine what life was like during the Civil War for America, any more than I can fathom the countries who are war torn now. Longfellow’s heart must have hurt. By 1863, He’d lost two wives, the second leaving him six children. His son returned home wounded and nearly paralyzed. At that point he struggled to write his poems, he was the most famous US poet at the time.

When he heard the bells ring out, he grasped on to the hope they offered him. Hope for better and brighter days.

Christmas is a time of joy, but it can also be a time of sorrow for many. Jesus wants us to know he came to bring peace to the hearts of all. Isaiah proclaims Him as the Prince of Peace, the One who can take a broken heart and restore it to fullness.

I love these glorious lines from the song:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

No matter the circumstances surrounding the holidays or any days, God is not dead and He’s not asleep. Instead, He holds me in sorrow and in joy. He loves me and wraps me in comfort and peace.

As you celebrate the birth of Jesus, embrace Him as the Prince of Peace.

Casting Crowns sings a beautiful version of I Heard the Bells.

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, July 19, 2023

The List of Three

I'm practicing something that will help me be more appreciative.
Before I complain about something, I think of three things I'm thankful for.
By the time I finish the list of three, I've let go of what I was complaining about.

I don't know if it will work every time, but I've got to try.
Want to try it with me?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 
since as members of one body 
you were called to peace. And be thankful. -Colossians 3:15



 

Saturday, July 8, 2023

A Dog's Wisdom

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Let's make common sense more common.

When our dog, Rosie May, was a puppy, we took her for training. She learned to sit, lay down, stay off (well, kind of) and shake. She still doesn't get the concept of stay, but at least she sits when she needs to. The good thing about dogs is they have great instincts. She knows when I don't feel well, and she wants to comfort me. Rosie May loves kids and wants to friend them. She senses when someone is outside and goes to the windows to see if she needs to protect us. Dogs listen to their gut. They hear things we don't and respond accordingly. In their own way, dogs have an internal wisdom.

When I think of wisdom, I also consider common sense. The innate instinct to do the right thing. I love how James shares his understanding of wisdom. Wisdom comes from God and loves peace. It's considerate (thinks of others) submissive to God's guidance, merciful, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, fair and discerning, and sincere and truthful. If there is any doubt as to whether something is a wise choice, measure the wisdom against James 3:17. The wisdom of a believer comes from the Holy Spirit. When I make decisions, I want to check my judgement against the wisdom that comes from God.

While Rosie May has instincts, I have the Holy Spirit to guide me in decisions. His voice speaks to my heart to be a peace-loving person who is kind to others, submissive to God, and considerate of situations.

Seek God's wisdom and use His common sense as you navigate life.

Monday, May 15, 2023

Coming June 1

I've been writing devotions for years, and I'm happy to let you know my nature devotional will be published June 1, 2023.
If you love being outside enjoying nature, I believe this devotional is for you.



 

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.

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Jesus Gives Peace

Hiking in the mountains of North Carolina with my family filled me with peace. 
Not the peace that resembles satisfaction, but the peace Jesus promises. 
The peace that's beyond my understanding that soothes my soul.

That's the peace I want in my heart every day.

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. John 14:27





Saturday, March 18, 2023

The Bridge of Trust

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

Cincinnati has several bridges that cross over the Ohio River and connect the city to northern Kentucky. The Roebling bridge was built in 1866 and at that time was the longest suspension bridge. The bridge itself is a beautiful structure with the arched trusses and light blue paint. Although the bridge has been under repair from time to time, thousands of folks have driven back and forth into downtown Cincy or Covington.

The people who travel across the bridge, John A. Roebling designed and built, trust the structure to carry them across and keep them safe. Much like any bridge or highway, we believe the engineers did their job and created a safe means of transportation.

I remember crossing a causeway in Georgia when I drove down to visit my brother on St. Simon’s Island. Being from Ohio, I’d not encountered such a structure. As it rose into the air, even though it was not as high as I imagined, my anxiety rose a bit too. But I had to trust it to take us to the island.

I tend to trust whatever works consistently. So why is it so hard sometimes to trust the One being who is always the same? God never changes. He’s present in my every day life and has never given me a reason to doubt Him. As I’ve grown older and hopefully wiser, I tend to place my life in His hands more and more. As the psalmist says, “my heart trusts Him.” I’m so thankful God remains the same no matter the circumstances and He helps me as I navigate life. I praise Him for His ongoing presence and reliability.

Trust God with everything. He has our best interest at heart.

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

Jesus was born in a humble manger to a young woman who trusted God.

When I think of the miracle of Christmas, 
my faith grows and my love for Jesus increases.
I'm thankful Mary loved God and trusted His plan.


 

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Hope

I am so thankful we have hope in Jesus.
When the world seems bleak, the Lord of Lords offers hope of new life
and hope of peace and freedom in this life.

He is the hope of the world!




 

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Peace

Peace is something I cherish.
I love fresh fallen snow and the quiet I hear.

I thank God for the Prince of Peace-- 
who brings peace on earth through his grace and forgiveness.


 

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Peaceful and Thankful

My daughter, Hannah and I visited a pumpkin farm in Kentucky, 
where they had the most beautiful chrysanthemums.
When I snapped photos of them, 
I knew I wanted to share their beauty on my blog.
What better time, than November-
the month we think about Thanksgiving.

In Colossians 3:15, the Apostle Paul reminded the church
to be at peace and to be thankful.

God still calls us to live a peaceful life, with Christ in our hearts, 
and to express our thankfulness for all of His amazing gifts.


 

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

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.



 

Saturday, October 1, 2022

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 itlater.)

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 toto get me through life.

Pray first, always.

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Second Chances

Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

God gives second chances.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude every day because I have a God who gives grace and forgiveness. Growing up in church I learned a lot about the rules. Do this, don't do that. In the midst of those teachings, I heard of God's love for me, but being a shy, quiet, rule follower, my focus stayed on right and wrong. I thought if I did everything right, I'd earn my way to heaven. Boy was I wrong. As a human, I didn't have the capability to live a perfect life.

As I grew older, I experienced life. Some good, some bad. The more I learned about Jesus, the more I realized I couldn't go through life focusing on rules. At times Satan tried to push me away from the whole "religion" thing, but God brought me to my knees. Not to punish me, but to remind me of his beautiful, perfect grace.

You see, He loves me unconditionally. Regardless of poor choices, doubts, or frustration, He continues to wrap His arms around me and show His mercy. Once I turned my life, my decisions, my actions, my everything over to Him, I understood. Granted I need to be obedient, I must seek His will, and I have to stop and listen. I'm not in this alone, I'm in this life with the One who created me. And guess what? God wants me to succeed. He has plans for me and a future.

I'm forgiven. Do I still mess up? Yep. But I hit my knees and ask for grace. I praise God with thanksgiving for his Son who took my place and for the Holy Spirit who guides me. I'm thankful for this precious second chance.

Saturday, July 9, 2022

I See the Light

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

A green light shone every six seconds.

Seventy-seven steps. The number of stairs a person would need to climb to get to the top of Marblehead Lighthouse. Tim and I have climbed those steps to the top, in the daytime, where we stood against the railing and viewed Kelleys Island in Lake Erie. When we turned to face the lighthouse, we peeked in on the magnificent LED lights that shine in the night.

We are drawn to the lighthouse at dusk, when the green light flashes every six seconds. There isn’t a beam, like a search light, instead there is a steady lamplight warning boats of the hazard of the nearby land and rocks.

Boats aren’t the only thing aware of the light at night. Mayflies are drawn to it. They appear around May, June, and July on Lake Erie. If there are a large number of the flying creatures, the lake is clean because these insects choose a clean environment to lay eggs. On Kelleys Island, I asked a young lady if they were bothered with mayflies. She told me they mostly come out at night because they love the light.

In my everyday life, God is my lighthouse. He’s not shining a search light, instead He’s a steady beam of light which draws me to Him out of the darkness of our broken world. Like the boats, I need Him to warn me of the dangers, and like the mayfly, I’m drawn to Him as my shelter.

David reminds me God is my stronghold and my shelter. I have no need to fear, because He’s the light which draws me to Him and the salvation for my soul.

When I keep my focus to God’s light, as I walk through this dark world, hope wells up in me and I embrace His peace.

Seek God’s light and salvation.