When Fear Overwhelms

Luke 8:22-24
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So, they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

Lake Erie tossed and turned.

The waves rose and crashed after tornados had attacked the northeastern shores. Tim and I happened to spend a few days at the lake, in Marblehead, after some tough storms went through the area. We watched the water rise and wash the shore like hands reaching to grasp whatever the waves could steal.

The next day, a sailboat ventured onto calmer, yet choppy waters. The boat bobbed up and down and I thought, if I were on it, I might be seasick.

The Sea of Galilee tossed a boat around when Jesus and some of his disciples sailed. Jesus fell asleep and the storm frightened the men. When Jesus woke and settled the waters, he asked, “Where is your faith?”

I may not sail in a boat, but it seems like storms attack our shores too often. A spiritual battle rages around us as good and evil fight for dominance. When fear overwhelms, Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?”

It’s then I understand, this life was not meant to be lived alone. Yes, I’m surrounded by friends and family, but I need more. I need Jesus. I don’t want him to wonder where my faith is. I want him to know my faith remains in him, every day.

When life rocks the boat, and even when it doesn’t cling to Jesus. Have faith in the one who makes a difference.

Shades of the Seasons

The ironweed surrounded by black-eyed Susans 

created a beautiful picture of August.

As we hiked along the path at the park, I noticed several plants

blooming in shades of purple or yellow.

It's interesting to me how the seasons show off their 

various array of colors.

I'm so thankful God created color in this world. 

Some colors offer calm in the chaos, while others 

encourage vibrancy and joy.

Enjoy the many shades of the seasons.

 

All My Hope

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

What do you get when you add three friends, a beautiful day, an outdoor venue, and the Christian musician/singer Crowder?

An amazing night of worship and renewal. 

My friends, Bev and Krista, and I traveled to the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, Ohio. White clouds billowed in the blue skies, the temperature hovered around eighty and the place was filled with people ready to worship Jesus.

If you aren’t familiar with David Crowder and his music, he’s a multitalented musician who is one of the most humble and down-to-earth performers I’ve seen. He offers a variety of music that touches the heart. From a few rock/rap songs to gospel to the music I sang with my grammy, no matter what music came from the stage, it all pointed to Jesus.

To be able to sing along and see the open sky filled me with joy and reminded me of the many times I attended church camp and sang outside under the stars. As the words of the songs echoed and we offered a joyful noise, my imagination pictured Jesus returning on the clouds to receive God’s children. What a glorious day that will be.

One song that especially touched my heart, All My Hope, encouraged me. In this broken world, we still have hope.  When nothing else makes sense,  hang on to hope in God and his plan to call his children back to him through Jesus. Even as sin and despair try to separate God’s children from him, Jesus provides the path of grace back to his Father.

Don’t give up. In Jesus, we have hope.

I hope you'll give the song a listen:

Pray for Them All

With August comes the beginning of a new school year.

Let's pray together for-

administrators

teachers

staff

students

parents

homeschoolers

and all involved in educating our children.

Talk to the kiddos going to school about-

being kind

having confidence

showing courtesy

and doing their best.

Pray for the children who need a little extra care, and

the teachers who touch their lives.

Blessings!

 

A Thousand Shards

Psalm 31:12b, 14-18
I have become like broken pottery...

But I trust in you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands;
    deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    from those who pursue me.
Let your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your unfailing love.

Shattered into a thousand shards.

I know what it feels like to have my heart broken like pottery. Don’t you? If you live on this earth long enough, something will most likely shatter your heart and throw you into a tailspin.

Recently, our family endured a difficult situation. Many of us, along with friends and acquaintances, spent the night praying, seeking God’s help when we felt helpless. Thanks be to God, the results were positive and a blessing even in the midst of stress.

My heart still hurts for my family, but I know God’s comforting hand is on us. When someone in my family hurts, I want to take the burden from them and carry it myself, but because I’m not the one who has the strength for such a task, I seek Jesus and ask for his help.

God's servant David struggled and lived a life of turmoil, even in his dedication to God. At times, his heart shattered over the suffering he endured. In the Psalm, he broke down and cried out to his Father to deliver him.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus carries my burdens when I can’t. He takes the exhaustion and worries and lifts them on his shoulders and walks beside me. I am so grateful for his care for myself and my family.

Seek Jesus.

Rock the Path

Psalm 37:23-24
The Lord makes firm the steps
     of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
     for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

So many rocks.

If you walk far enough on the hiking path at our park, you’ll find an uneven incline filled with rough rocks of all sizes. When we’re feeling energetic, Tim and I take Rosie to the top. Tim and Rosie amble up the rough, rocky terrain, but I have to stop and take a breath. Honestly, it’s not that steep, but for me, who generally walks on a flat surface, it’s a challenge. And it’s one I like to take occasionally.

With the help of my hiking stick (thank you, Zeke,) I pick through the rocks and take careful steps, because this old girl doesn’t want a broken hip.

I love the verses in Psalm 37 that remind me the Lord has me in his sights, and because I love God, He watches over me and helps me when I might stumble, whether over literal rocks or in everyday life.

With each step I took on the rocks, I measured the consequences if I’d fall. I considered how to move through the path without harm. Isn’t that how I should live my life? Instead of hurrying and fumbling, it’s important to check my steps, even as God holds my hand. It’s too easy to stumble along and possibly fall on the path and in life.

I need to take caution in the words I say, the actions I take, the attitude I carry, and how I treat others. Am I judging when I should be praying? Am I criticizing when I should be compassionate? Am I causing someone else to stumble when I should be helping them along the path?

As you walk the path God prepared for you, discover ways to move alongside other people and help them navigate life as God helps you.

Today is the Day!

Happy Birthday, Hope at Last!

I'm excited to share that Home at Last is here at last.

Abbott Island book 3:

When mysterious holes are discovered on Abbott Island, Lucy Grayson wants answers. She also longs for a special someone in her life. 

 

Local farmer, Owen Miller finds himself helping Lucy solve the mystery. As they dig into the island history and gather clues, will they find more than hidden treasure? Perhaps they’ll discover love? 

Order your copy at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other places books are sold.

 

A Partridge in a Pea

I love when I find an unexpected beauty.

While I tried to photograph gold finches at the park, 

I stumbled across this golden charmer. 

The partridge pea hid in the meadow 

behind a plethora of spent beebalm, the finches fed from.

The leaves are lovely and the flower attracts bees and butterflies.

God has created the most amazing flora.

 

What's Holding You Back?

Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Tim and I walked Rosie along the paved path at the local park. As we rounded a curve, we stopped. The night before, a storm had blown through and the wind had knocked over a couple of trees. We couldn’t see the path beyond the downed trees.

We had a choice, turn around and head the other direction or climb through the mess and try to get to the other side. Wisdom told us to turn and hike back along the path we’d taken. Out of curiosity, we walked all the way around and checked out the other side of the fallen trees. By the time we finished, a crew of groundskeepers arrived to clean up the trees.

When I saw the barrier, my first thought was, “What’s holding me back?” Then I wondered, “How do I move forward?” Both good questions.

At times, I’m stopped in my tracks and have to reevaluate what to do. Sometimes, I need to move forward past the obstacles in my way, other times I need to turn around and reassess my circumstances. If we’d tried to climb over the trees, I’m sure one of us (me) would’ve been injured. So why chance it when I know it’s not the right move?

But there are times when God calls us to move forward, and it’s scary, or I simply feel uncertain. In Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Moses is old and won’t be going with them, but he reminds them of an important truth. God is going with them. Moses calls them to be strong and courageous.

Every day I make choices. Sometimes roadblocks like fear and discouragement stand in my way, even guilt over a decision that may affect other people. God calls us to ask Him for guidance. He’s with us and He assures us He listens and loves us.

With God by our side, we can be strong and courageous no matter what tries to hold us back.

Queen Anne's Lovely Lace

When I was a child, I was fascinated with the 

Queen Anne's lace that grew in our ditch.

Also known as wild carrot, 

the intricate blooms formed gorgeous patterns.

An old legend says the wildflower herb is named after 

Queen Anne of England who hand made beautiful lace. 

If you look closely, you can see the dark spot in the center of the flower.

Supposedly, she pricked her finger and a drop of blood fell on her lace.

Whether it's true or not, it's an entertaining story.

I still get excited when I see this lovely bloom of summer.

What do you like to see in bloom? 

Do you have any favorites from childhood?

 

Don't Stop Praying

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray constantly to the One who listens.

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

The Flowers of Summer

Every year, I'm amazed at the flowers that sprout and bloom from seed.

My granddaughter, Dylan, sprinkled the seeds of these lovely flowers,

and they've brought me great joy, both because 

they are my favorite color and because Dylan planted them. 

I hope the flowers of summer are filling you with wonder and hope.

 

Are You Ready?

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

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

It's baseball season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blooms of Many Colors

Hydrangeas are simply gorgeous.

They bloom in many colors and add beauty to all landscapes.

I visited my brother the other day and noticed this lovely pink one

on the same bush as the pale pink and lavender.

They each blossomed in their own shade of color.

Much like people, we gather together, spend time hanging out,

even come from the same family, yet, we're different from one another.

That's because God created us to be who He meant us to be and to bloom

into ourselves. We each have our own abilities, looks, and passions.

Honor God with the life He's given.

 

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.

Entwined

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

These two double lilies make me think of my dear friends 

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

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

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

1 John 4:11 

 

Candytuft Surprise

We've been experiencing temperatures in the nineties in southern Ohio.

I'm not a fan, but I know it's part of the cycle of the seasons.

One thing I do love are the flowers blooming this time of year.

These purple candytufts were a delightful discovery.

My granddaughter, Dylan, planted the seeds from a wildflower packet,

and I've had some lovely surprises.

Enjoy the season wherever you are. 

What flowers are you enjoying?

 

Choices in Baseball and Life

John 7:16-18
Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

The rhythm of the game of baseball relaxes me. The runners round the bases in order—first, second, third, and home—and the rules make sense, most of the time.

This summer a grandson is playing the great American game, Tim is ushering at the Reds, and a granddaughter is playing softball. My family has a long friendship with the game. Grandpa Griffith hosted baseball games at his farm in the 1920s and 30s. Mom shared stories of watching the men lift their bats and run the bases.

As I’ve watch baseball and softball, I see the players making a lot of decisions. How far to run to field the ball, when to run and when to stay on base, when to hit and when to wait.

Much like baseball, life is full of choices. Every day I’m faced with decisions. What to do, how to react, what to say, but I have an advantage when it comes to the choices I make. I talk to God and seek his wisdom for what I should do. Like the baseball player looks to the coach, I seek God’s wisdom. You see, I love God, and I want to glorify him and follow his will.

In my decisions, I seek God’s wisdom and when I forget, I struggle. God gives free will, and he wants me to choose. So I choose him. I Praise God for his wisdom and the freedom of being a believer.

Bend God’s ear when you have choices to make.

Children's Picture Book Reviews

Kit and the Missing Notebook is a story about calming anxiety. Kit and her family move to a new town, and Kit can't find her precious notebook where she writes all the things she wants to remember. With the help of her new neighbors, she learns some techniques that help calm her anxiety. 

This is a sweet story that's perfect to read aloud to children. The way the authors present the various coping techniques is unique and spot on. The authors also include notes in the back that talk about why they wrote the story and how to use the methods in the book to help a child. Mrs. G's soup recipe is included as well. The illustrations are perfect for the story. 

Race to Kindness is about a race where everyone wins by spreading kindness throughout the community. The story, written by Time's 2021 Kid of the Year, is inspired by his desire to collect toys, food, and books for kids in need. It's an inspiration for all readers and a book that needs to be added to all classrooms and libraries. 

The illustrations are colorful and fun and include the author as a boy leading the way to kindness.

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.