When is Enough, Enough?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Into the woods we go.

Beyond the forest we trekked through, Lake Erie roared. Leaves scattered across the trail, under an overcast sky. We dodged puddles as we hiked along the North Loop on Kelleys Island. From an opening in the woods, we spotted the alvar, a rare ecosystem along the coast, made of limestone, very thin soil, and scant vegetation.

After we climbed over roots and rocks, we stepped onto the limestone and watched the angry waves tumble in. At first the alvar looked barren. Then I noticed plants and moss growing out of what appeared to be nothing. The environment provided just enough soil and nutrients for plants to grow. I'd read that the northern bog violet grew there in the spring. Even in late October, with the water crashing in, the autumn plants thrived.

I've experienced times in my life when resources were thin like the soil on the alvar. Other times my physical being felt weak or my spiritual life fell short. In all of those times, the Holy Spirit reminded me God is enough. Trust me, I struggled. I didn't just glide through without doubt and fear, but my Lord provided the resources, the strength, and the desire to plant my spiritual roots deeper.

With faith and hope, I believe with all my heart—God is enough. When I fall on my knees and seek his forgiveness—God is enough. When I worry and fret—God is enough. He provides all my needs, if I am willing to ask him and trust him.

Believe God is enough, even in times of doubt and despair. He loves us more than we understand.

Cozy Mystery Review: Bag of Bones: A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery by Jackie Layton

Book Description:

Does one good turn deserve a murder?

Despite all her good intentions to focus on a healthy lifestyle and leave crime solving to the professionals, Andi Grace Scott has run right smack into another investigation--literally. Who’d have thought caring for stray cats and a healthy morning beach run could lead to murder?

Andi Grace has found another body and a young woman who needs help. Solving this puzzle will come with a cost. This time, catching the killer will require Andi Grace to confront her past relationships and truths about her deceased mother.

My Review:
I love Andi Grace Scott. Despite wanting to live a simple life, she winds up in the middle of a murder investigation, again, and helps a young woman with a rough past. And who wouldn't love Marc Williams, Andi's patient and attentive boyfriend. There were some surprises and twists I didn't expect, which makes the book that much more appealing. Bag of Bones, the third Low Country Dog Walker mystery is a great story. It's one of those series, when I finish reading, I miss the characters and hope there's another book coming. I have enjoyed all of Jackie Layton's Low Country Dog Walker books. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you'll love Jackie Layton's books. I purchased this copy, and all opinions are my own.

Enough

I am blessed beyond measure.

Am I rich? No.

Am I poor? No.

Do I have what I need? Yes.

Who provides? God

Years ago, when I was a single parent, we didn't have much money or material things. 

But we had enough.

I prayed, and God provided. 

He met every need, and he still does.

For that I am grateful.

 

Fiction Review: The Sowing Season: A Novel by Katie Powner

Book Description:

After he's forced to sell the family farm he's labored on his whole life, 63-year-old Gerrit Laninga doesn't know what to do with himself. He sacrificed everything for the land--his time, his health, his family--with nothing to show for it but bitterness, regret, and two grown children who want nothing to do with him.

Fifteen-year-old Rae Walters has growing doubts and fears about The Plan--the detailed blueprint for high school that will help her follow in her lawyer father's footsteps. She's always been committed to The Plan, but now that the pressure to succeed is building, what was supposed to unite her family in purpose, may end up tearing it apart.

When their paths cross just as they each need a friend the most, Gerrit's and Rae's lives begin to change in unexpected ways. Can they discover together what really matters in life and learn it's never too late for a second chance?

My Review:
I love this heartwarming story of hope and forgiveness. Gerrit Laninga spent years working the family dairy. The whole time he carried guilt. When he finally lets go of the farm, he's faced with what to do with his life. He loves his wife Hannie, but lots of mending needs to be done. In comes Rae Walters, a self-driven teenager who needs to stick with The Plan. These two go on a path that leads them to self-examination and discovery. Katie Powner's debut is beautiful. This is a great read as we go into the season of thanksgiving. I enjoyed the country setting and all the characters who matter to Gerrit and Rae. If you enjoy books with a redemptive thread and a family/community theme, you'll love The Sowing Season. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

They Laugh, They Cry

Matthew 19:13-14
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 

I miss the little ones.

Before COVID 19 changed our lives, I spent Thursdays in my daughter's first grade classroom. As Sara taught, I helped any child who needed a little nudge. Sometimes Sara and I would read an Elephant and Piggy book and do the voices back and forth. The kids laughed and learned. I watched them play at recess, color pictures, and count blocks.

Small children absorb the world around them. Whatever the environment, they take in the good and the bad. I love watching my grandkids grow and learn. They think about life with imagination and fascination. Sometimes they ask the hard questions, because they want to understand. Other times we hang out and play games and just enjoy each other's company. I love talking to them.

Jesus knew children understood him. He kept his life simple and spent time showing children they were important to him. He embraced their imagination and encouraged his followers to be more like them.

What did Jesus see?

Children allow their belief to blossom into faith through experience and trust. They love unconditionally. They see each other without pre-conceived ideas or prejudice. They play. They laugh. They cry. They ask for help. They start over. They fall and get back up. They aren't afraid to look silly. They take in God's creation with awe.

Children love Jesus without expectation. They embrace his joy and dwell in his love.

Love Jesus as a child. Embrace him. Seek him. Stand in awe of him. Talk to him. Then teach a child about him. If you're like me, you'll learn more from the little one than they learn from you.

"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born." -Albert Einstein

The Song You Heard

I am a fan of Mary Oliver's poetry.

This one in particular reminds me to go back to my childhood 

and embrace my imagination.

 

Children's Devotional Review: Wonder & Wisdom: Everyday Reminders from Psalms & Proverbs by Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner

Book Description:

A highly engaging introduction to Old Testament Psalms and Proverbs for young children, each bite-sized reading draws on the timeless wisdom of these books to remind young ones who God made them to be and how to live their lives with him on a day-to-day basis. The lessons found in Psalms and Proverbs are enduring and key for understanding what it looks like to live a life of love and gratitude, make good choices, and ask helpful questions.

An ideal companion to The Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible, Tiny Truths Wonder and Wisdom helps children ages 4 to 8 discover:

Who God is: the one who made everything and everyone

Who we are: his children, whom he loves unconditionally

What we were made for: to love God and everyone else

My Review:
Tiny Truths Wonder and Wisdom is a beautifully written book for children. The illustrations are eye-catching and fun, they remind me of the cute Funko Pop toys. Most important, they show how God loves all people. The truths written out in a kid-friendly way are timeless. Each story is paired with a verse from Psalm or Proverbs. The book includes a table of contents, an introduction to Psalm and Proverbs, and more to explore verses. Written in easy to read text, the wisdom and wonders will delight little ones. This would be a perfect gift book for many occasions or a great book to use in a class for children. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.