Fruit not Fruits

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t fruits.

By the time you read this, I will have talked to a group of moms and daughters at Woodland Lakes Christian Camp. A while back, Amy, the director of Mother/Daughter camp asked me if I would put together a devotion to share about the fruit of the Spirit.

As I’ve searched for the words and examples to share, I remembered my realization that the “fruit” is not “fruits.” As a child I thought the word was plural, like there were nine different fruits standing on their own. As an adult, I realized I was wrong.

Now I see the fruit of the Spirit like an apple. When I purchase an apple at the grocery store or orchard, I have one whole piece of fruit in my hand. I bring it home and cut it into pieces. Is the apple multiple fruits now? No it’s still one apple, just with several slices.

The fruit of the Spirit is like the apple, one fruit with many pieces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all part of the same fruit. As a follower of Jesus, I need to nurture all aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. If I seek peace and joy, without kindness, my fruit spoils. If I try to be good and faithful, but lose my self-control, my fruit rots. God has given his children this amazing gift through the Holy Spirit, and I long to embrace all the fruit and make them a constant in my life.

God calls His children to live with all nine segments of fruit. He knows the world needs all of these and as Christians we are the ones to inject love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control into all aspects of our lives.

Take the challenge to actively live by the fruit of the Spirit and share God’s gift with the world.

See the Soul

Last week I posted a photo of the lily-of-the-valley,

still green, without full blooms.

A few days later, I caught this picture of the beautiful white bells.

What if I'd only noticed this sweet plant in all its glory, 

with bells on and beautiful.

I would have missed the wonderment of the stages of growth.

I love the words "If only we saw souls." 

I would see the heart of the person,

the stages of growth, or the need for encouragement.

I'd see the worth and the beauty of a soul struggling to make it through the day,

or the soul who reaches out and lifts others up.

Seek to look at the soul and see the true beauty.

 

Called Into Light

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

When I was a child, I was afraid of the dark.

My neighbors, cousins, and I played outside and caught fireflies. We played hide and seek while the adults chatted in their lawn chairs, and the light shined from the porch. I felt safe as long as a glow shined over the yard, and the sound of grown-up voices echoed through the air.

When the cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors left for home, the dark overwhelmed me. The porch light clicked off, and I made a bee line for the house. Even as a young adult, I didn't like being outside by myself in the dark cover of night.

As I've grown older, I've learned to appreciate the light of night, the stars overhead, and the moon, for those lights shine through the darkness.

As a believer and follower of Jesus, I'm called to God's light. He doesn't want me to be afraid of the dark or stay in the shadows. The King of Kings has called me to step out of the gloom and doom of the world and step into the beautiful, wonderful light of grace. God calls his children his special possession, a people he encourages, and loves. He guards our hearts and radiates His light as a guide away from the dark corners of the world.

My family experienced a great amount of loss the first three months of the year. Times were dark and sad. We clung to each other and to God, and His light and love have carried us through. Some days will still be rough, but peace comes from knowing the One who created the sun and moon and calls us to His light.

Seek God's light as He calls your name.

A Quiet Moment

My flower garden is tiny compared to ones I've had in the past,

yet this little plot brings me an abundance of joy.

Hyacinth, daffodils, and tulips raise their heads and 

nod to me to have a good day. 

The vibrant colors flood me with joy and remind me

Who created them.

A quiet moment in the garden blesses my soul.

 

Take Heart!

John 16:32-33
A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I'm never alone. 

Tim and I took Rosie for a walk at the local park. We hiked into an area where we could hear the river water rushing alongside us. As I walked, I spied the three-leafed trillium that sprouts in the spring in Ohio and enjoyed the greening foliage on the trees. For a moment I closed my eyes and listened. No cars revved their engines, no washer or dryer rumbled, no furnace kicked off and on. All I heard was the water, the burble of the river flowing over rocks, the tranquility of the woods. The peace reminded me of the One who is always with me.

The last three months have been hard. At times the burden too much to bear, but the beautiful, most wonderful thing I experienced in my time of grief and stress was the presence of the Holy Spirit. I'm never alone. Yes, my family and I were surrounded by the amazing blessing of friends. For that I'm so thankful, but in those times when I sat by myself in my home while Tim worked, I felt the presence of God. Through scripture and the Spirit, He reminded it would be alright.

Jesus spoke to his disciples before his final days on earth and reminded them that even as they needed to scatter and leave Him on His own, God was with Him. I absolutely love what He tells them. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As a believer, the Holy Spirit lives inside me, beside me, and gives me peace in this troubled world.

Take heart! Jesus has overcome the world.

It's How You Live

Proverbs 31: 25-28

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her.

"It's not how you die; it's how you live." -JP

Most of you know my mom passed away on February 25. At ninety-five, we knew the days grew short, even still, losing a parent is hard. I doubt Mom ever dreamed she would live as long as she did, but once she passed ninety, she embraced her age.

Per Mom's request, in her last days we were able to keep her at home. She wanted to live as independently as possible, and being in the apartment attached to my brother's home gave her the independence she desired. There were times in her last days we wondered if she could stay there, but with the help of hospice, she remained comfortable in her own bed.

As a family, we did this to honor our mom's wishes. I'm thankful we had so many years with her and the opportunity to learn from her wisdom. Mom loved Jesus and her family. I remember as a child, and even an adult, Mom reminding me to wear my coat and to always be careful. She was concerned about our well-being and questioned us when she thought we needed it. She did that because she loved us like only a mother can. She loved with a fierceness and protectiveness.

Her love reminds me of how God loves. He has a deep adoration for His people and He wants nothing more than for us to love Him back. When I think about how much Mom loved me and how much I love my children, I begin to understand God's intense care for me. God loves us so much He sent his son to live on earth, to teach and to die for our sins. But He didn't stop there, He brought Jesus back to life.

Why did God do that? So people would have a chance to repent, be saved and baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, live a faith-filled life, and join Him in heaven. My mom would want you to know the love of Jesus, His forgiveness, and His amazing love.

Seek Jesus.

I'm Glad One Thing Never Changes

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

White dust drifted to the floor, from the blackboard.

Remember at the end of the school day wanting to be the student who erased the whole board, then went outside to slam the erasers together to clean them. Of course I just wanted to go outside, yet there was something about wiping the board clean that brought satisfaction at the end of the day.

Classrooms today have changed. Instead of a blackboard, my daughter, Sara's first grade class has a whiteboard she uses to either write on with special markers or use as a place to hang important classroom learning tools. There's also a smartboard, a large screen hooked to her computer, where she shares lessons, directions, and educational videos.

Classrooms have changed. Students are learning more now than ever. They also learn the basics, in new and innovative ways. Sara has been teaching for more than a decade and has had to continue to learn new and interesting ways to teach.

Change can be good, and most things in life evolve in some way. Look at our kitchens and compare them to our grandparents or great grandparents' kitchens. Yet one thing never changes because He is already as good as it gets. Jesus stays the same. He's always loving, and forgiving as He seeks our hearts. He's the rock I stand on, the One I depend on, the One I pray to. Jesus never waivers from being the Son of God, my perfect hope.

When I'm in the middle of uncertain circumstances and I'm not sure what to do, I turn to the One who stays the same, the One who loves me no matter what. I'm thankful Jesus is the same every day, and with confidence I can move forward and trust Him.

Count on Jesus in your season of change.

Look to Jesus

Proverbs 15:30
Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

I tucked Christmas away.

Every year, our home is donned with Christmas displays, trees, and memories. I usually pull out all the treasured ornaments and décor around Thanksgiving. By early January, I'm ready to take down the beauty of the season and store it away for another year. Wednesday morning, the 4^th day of January, I unhooked the ornaments from the tree, wrapped them, and placed them in the Christmas tote. Once the baubles were packed away, I unwound the purple beaded garland, then pulled the plug on the lights, the last remnant of the holiday. When the colorful bulbs turned off, I felt a little tug of sadness. Those little twinklers brought me joy.

When they glowed in various colors, they reminded me of why I celebrate His birth—
Shades of pink—He came as a sweet babe
Green—He's everlasting
Yellow—He's the light of the world
Red—His blood shed on the cross
Blue—everlasting life in heaven

Proverbs 15:30 reminds me to put my sadness away and remember the true light. Jesus came to earth to bring hope. His good news offers peace. When my heart is at peace, the rest of my body feels better.

As Christmas is put away and the new year begins, I choose to look to Jesus as the source of my joy and peace. He loves me more than I understand. I'm a broken human being filled with hope because the King of Kings who came as the only perfect person, loved me enough to die a harsh death on the cross, then gloriously rise to life.

Jesus is grace. He forgives and loves like no other.

Begin this new year looking to Jesus.

Keep Your Peace

I had this saying hanging over my desk at work to remind me 

so many things I worried about were not worth 

my energy or the peace I lost.

So often the things I worry about never happen. 

By worrying I miss the blessing of now.

I pray this year is less worry and more peace.

 

Your Gifts

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas 

and the gifts of God's blessings.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus

and enjoy fellowship with friends and family,

I pray we are all blessed with peace, hope, love, and faith.

For everyone missing someone, I pray you'll be wrapped 

in memories that bring comfort.

For anyone struggling, I ask God to pour His peace over you.

May we all celebrate Jesus birth with wonder and joy!

 

Joy Replaced Fear

Luke 2:9-10
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

I remember sitting in a classroom in the junior high building, my heart pounding with fear.

I'd been absent the day my class took the standard exam, so the teacher sent me to the big study hall, which seemed miles away from my classroom. There I sat, a painfully shy, elementary student, surrounded by teenagers. The teacher stood what seemed like seven feet tall, while the paper and pencil on my desk taunted me. As I started to darken circles on the multiple-choice questions, tears stung my eyes. The teacher, in all of his wisdom, must have noticed my discomfort. He leaned over and assured me everything would be okay. And it was. I don't recall the results of the test, but I took it and evidently passed whatever hurdle I needed to.

My teacher wasn't an angel, at least not that I know of, yet he calmed my fear and gave me courage to finish my task.

When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the field near Bethlehem, the fear must have overwhelmed them. The night was most likely quiet, a few sheep baaing, maybe a breeze, and a snore here or there from dozing shepherds. Then the sky lit up with God's glory and surrounded the mighty messenger. Bless those shepherds' hearts, as they trembled in fear, and the angel consoled them with encouragement and spoke of the most wonderful news.

No doubt the shepherds had heard of the long-expected Messiah, but they never dreamed they'd be alerted to his birth in such an awesome way. With courage and encouragement from the angel, the shepherds listened and followed his directions. And lo and behold they witnessed baby Jesus in his mother's arms.

At the sight of the Lord, pure joy replaced any fear.

This season seek Jesus with the courage of the shepherds and experience true joy.

Entering the Season of Thanks

Four-hundred years ago, the the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans prepared and sat together for the first Thanksgiving meal.

Eighty years ago, the fourth Thursday in November was declared

the national holiday Americans call Thanksgiving.

My word for 2021 has been gratitude. I've tried to keep my focus on what I'm thankful for and the love God pours over me. Even though I've grieved over loss and celebrated with joy, I know whatever my circumstance,

God calls me to be thankful.

As I prepare to enter the month of November, and the season of thanksgiving, I appreciate the example the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoogs set for us.

Let's sit down together in peace and celebrate what we have.

 

A Wombat Tale

Psalm 62: 5-8

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

Sometimes I want to curl up in a ball.

When I worked at the elementary school library, I enjoyed reading a book to the children about a cute little wombat. This little guy jumped in the mud, danced in a circle, and eventually curled up in a ball. The children giggled at his antics.

The book reminds me how I often go about working, playing, and living life, then something comes along that makes me want to curl into a ball. Exhaustion, excitement, exuberance, fibromyalgia, frustration, sadness—emotions  that even when they are positive may leave me weary.

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. Joy that our youngest daughter is getting married. Excitement for signing a contract for my debut novel. Empathy and sorrow for one of my best friends who lost her husband, who was also a dear friend. Sadness laces the edges of joy even as I rejoice for his homecoming to heaven. Plus, grabbing the last few days of summer before my grandkids go back to school. Granted the joy and happiness carry my heart, but I'm tired. Worn from the moments of life.

The good news is—I have a place to go when I need to refuel, sort through, rest, or just be for a little while.

When that little wombat wound himself into a ball he thought, because he was so small, he could hide in the flowers. But where can I go? Not in a bed of posies. Instead, I'll curl up and find rest in my Father's arms. God, my fortress, rock, salvation, and refuge, gives me joy and hope. He's the one who understands my emotions and physical struggles, and He offers strength and peace. I trust in Him to carry me through.

The Assurance of God

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.

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I am the most peaceful—when I’m by the water, listening to the waves lap.

We spent a couple of days at Lake Erie. I could sit and listen to the water race to shore and lap back out all day. There is something about the sound and the motion that covers me with calm. Perhaps the lull or the push and pull, or maybe the overwhelming feeling that God is in control, and I don’t need to worry about one little thing—because the crashing waves remind me of the incredible power of God and his love for us.

As I sat by the lake, on a huge rock at Marblehead State Park, I closed my eyes and my mind painted a picture of the Father who loves me. I imagined him reaching over and giving me a hug. At that point, I understood, a little more, the peace that surpasses my comprehension—the peace I feel in times of trouble. Only then did I get a glimpse of Jesus’ gift of calm.

In John 16, Jesus preps his disciples, the twelve he chose, to understand his future. He laid out God’s plan and assured them that whatever happened to him, he was with God. He revealed to them their future, too. They would all go to their own homes, their villages, back to their work, and he’d be with his Father in heaven. Even as Jesus assured these men, who traveled and taught with him for three years, that they’d experience peace, he reminded them they’d have trouble.

The presence of trouble doesn’t mean we are without the assurance of God.

Isn’t that the way of the world? We all experience problems, obstacles, and doubts. Yet, Jesus offers peace. As his followers, we have the same assurance as the disciples. A peace planted in our hearts by God.

Seek his peace.

God, Pour Your Peace

 We fill our minds and hearts with so much stuff—

Social media, TV, radio, gossip, negative thoughts.

How about allowing God to pour his peace in instead?

In a world of chaos, God's peace brings comfort and confidence. 

Let's open our souls to the peace that passes understanding,

the calm that only comes from God.

Sit Quietly and Be Thankful

As I sit in my chair—

I'm thankful for God, who loves me no matter what,

for Jesus, who covers me with grace,

for the new life of spring,

and for you.

May God bless your day with peace.

 

Spread Encouragement

Let's fight the negative speak of the world!

Share kind words 

Peaceful phrases 

and 

Joy filled hope

Spread encouragement and cheer!

 

Window to the Soul

Ephesians 1:18-19a
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

Due to COVID-19 rules, all the spectators wore masks in the gym.

The fifth-grade boys ran up and back, shot baskets, and defended their team. We cheered them as they played hard. Tim and I especially enjoyed the enthusiasm of one of the grandparents. She said she played ball back in the day, and I could tell she loved cheering for her grandson.

A week later in a different gym, we sat at the top, away from most everyone. But after the game, I saw the grandma we sat near the week before. Even though we wore our masks, I could see the smile in her eyes. She waved and pumped her hands in the air because she saw me as a co-conspirator and cheerleader for our team. But her eyes told the story. They shared joy, recognition, and excitement.

In our mask wearing society, I’ve noticed peoples’ eyes more. Some look weary and sad, some happy and smiling, while others stare into the distance hoping for better days.

Some say the eyes are the window to the soul.

Paul prayed for the Ephesian church, that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened to hope in Jesus. What do my eyes reflect? Hope—or despair and sadness. As a believer in Jesus, I’m called to show the Lord to the people around me. I pray my eyes glimmer with hope, kindness, and love, for those are the things God asks me to carry in my heart.

Eyes express genuine feelings and reflections of the heart. What do our eyes show others? Confidence? Contentment? Anger? Fear? Peace? Love?

With your eyes as the window to your soul, what will you show the folks you meet?

Guard Your Heart and Mind

Our minds hold an incredible amount of information. 

We process and reason, memorize and learn.

We choose what goes in and what comes out.

Feed your mind the word of God, so that...

"... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:7

 

Wisdom to Make a Choice

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.

Decisions can be difficult. How do I know the best thing to do, the best choice to make?

I’m slow when it comes to shopping for most anything.

And I try not to be an impulse buyer (except for maybe that tempting chocolate bar by the counter.)

If I’m considering a big purchase, I want every detail about the item before I make the final decision. I haven’t always been this way. But the older I get, the more I realize I need to weigh my options with care.

If I’m that mindful of the value of material items, how much more cautious should I be of life decisions?

The ones that affect my family and friends require great consideration. But where does the wisdom to make a choice come from?

True wisdom originates with God. Easy answer, but how do we as humans recognize our heavenly Father’s wisdom? Jesus’ brother James says heaven’s wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, kind, impartial, and sincere. In other words, God’s wisdom does no harm. His measuring stick has a bi-product of peace, consideration, and mercy.

Facts and information are great indicators that help weigh the pros and cons. But as a believer, I know God offers wisdom and understanding that’s more precious than any gold or silver. He wants me to make my choices with his input, through prayer and petition.

When you need to make a decision of any kind seek God’s wisdom and guidance.

tweetable: How do I make a choice?