Defined by the Fruit

When I spoke at camp, I asked the daughters and moms to give examples of

how we incorporate the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. 

One young girl reminded all of us 

how important it is, whether anyone is watching or not, to be kind.

Character, for believers, is defined by the Fruit of the Spirit.

Suspense Review: Fatal Forensic Investigation by Darlene L. Turner

Book Description:
Remembering a serial killer’s face…could be deadly

While interviewing the Coastline Strangler’s only surviving victim, forensic artist Scarlet Wells is attacked and left with amnesia. Now she’s his next mark and has no choice but to work with constable Jace Allen to unlock the criminal’s true identity trapped in her mind. Will they be able to recover the hidden memory and hunt down the killer before he strikes again?

My Thoughts:
If you enjoy fast paced, sit on the edge of your seat stories, you'll want to read Fatal Forensic Investigation. Yes, there is a serial killer and he's after the woman who he thinks can identify him, but she can't. She has lost her memory, including the memories she has from college of constable Jace Allen. As the two take on this madman, they find themselves attracted to each other, but more important, they discover a faith they thought they had lost. Turner weaves a wonderful spiritual thread through the story as these characters face insurmountable situations.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

The Timing of Our Lives

I love watching my flowers bloom throughout the spring and summer.

The perennials sprout and bud every year.

My first cone flower opened right on schedule.

God knows when each petal will unfold.

If He knows this about the flowers, how much more can we trust Him to know 

the timing for our lives?

 

Faith in the Fire

Daniel 3:16-18
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

The thermometer in the car screamed 102 degrees. 

In southwest Ohio, the temperatures are registering in the high nineties. We’ve had storms and electric out. My daughter’s family had no electric for almost twenty-four hours. So what did we do? We gathered at the pool and stayed cool. I am thankful we live in a place where I have the opportunity to swim with my kids and grands. When we left, Sara’s car registered 102.

In all of my almost 65 years, I’ve only had central air since we moved into the condo almost eight years ago. Up to then, I dealt with the heat in whatever way I could. Let’s just say, I’m not a summer person, especially in this heat. But I know as the seasons do, this will pass and before long cooler weather will grace Ohio.

During this oppressive heat, I’ve been reading the book of Daniel, and you can imagine my thoughts on the fiery furnace. Without reservation those brave young men, Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego, did not fear the heat. They put their lives and hearts in God’s hands. That’s called faith.

We have a lot of negatives going on in our country and in the world. I can imagine the Christians in Ukraine are holding on to their faith for dear life. I love this line in Daniel: “the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know...  we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” These men believed God would deliver them, but even if He didn’t, they continued to have faith in the God they served even if He didn’t save them. They trusted God with their lives and knew He held their future in His hands.

I wonder if I have the faith they did. Can I keep the faith regardless of my circumstances? I pray the answer is yes. I want faith like the men in Daniel. A faith without doubt. I pray God strengthens my faith as I continue on my life’s path.

Have faith, God will see you through.

Do I Show Others Grace and Love?

I've mentioned one of my favorite quotes before:

"You are your words."

What comes out of my mouth should be glorifying God.

Does it always? 

Nope, because I'm human, and I don't always think before I speak.

Then I seek forgiveness and try harder.

As much as my words might influence people 

my actions speak so much louder.

How do I behave when I think no one is watching? 

(Oh, that's right, God is watching)

And so are my family, friends, and anyone else I might be around.

I pray my life shows others God's grace and love, every day.

 

New Fiona Books

Fiona is back with two delightful stories for beginning readers. On the train, the animals get to travel through the zoo on their way to meet the baby red panda. In school, the animals get to teach each other about something important to them. With humor and comradery Cowdrey and Wu have created books kids will enjoy. The illustrations are colorful and appealing. 

 

Fiona's Train Ride by Richard Cowdrey with Donald Wu

Fiona wants to visit the new baby red panda, but it is so far! What better way to get around the zoo than the fun and fast zoo train. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality. 

Fiona Goes to School by Richard Cowdrey with Donald Wu

Fiona and a few of her animal friends attend zoo school for the very first time and find out just how fun it is to learn new things in the classroom. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.