God's Hands

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Family vacations - although the planning can be stressful, the delivery is typically very sweet.  Hence, it was this vacation.  Our family of 6 was joined by our children's friends for a total of ten.  Add to that my brother's family of three and my mom - the total was 14!  Throughout the planning stages, there was much tribulation (most of it in my worrisome head).  Yet, as the week played out, each day found us gathered together, laughing, smiling and enjoying each other's company.

It always amazes me that when something large is planned, no matter how each and every minute may be planned, it may not always turn out as I envisioned.  For many of you who know me, you know that vacations are usually methodically planned.  I held back this time and left it, truly, in God's hands.  I asked for His help to guide our time together to be filled with memories, and He didn't disappoint.  I believe one of my largest struggles is just that, taking it out of MY hands and placing it into God's LOVING hands.  

As our verse for today shares, our dear Lord knows all plans for me - and for my family.  I have total faith that His plans are not harmful plans.  It is my decision to move things into MY hands that I start to have problems.  Certainly, if He knows every hair on my head, He can certainly know what my life will entail.  Yet, when the family was gathered around the table, it wasn't my future that I was as concerned about.  It is the future of my children.  That is the future I have to give to God the most.

If it was up to me, I would orchestrate each of my child's lives.  Not that I need to have that much control, but because I don't want to see them hurt or let down or betrayed.  I have learned early, though, that those times of hurt or other disappointments are the stepping stones to build us up - many times building us closer to God.  Knowing that my children's lives are in God's hands does provide me comfort.  In their eyes I see the hope and future God has for them.  In their eyes I see grace and mercy.  In their eyes I see forgiveness, for others and themselves.  In their eyes I see God's love.  

God was most definitely on our family vacation with us.  When vacation ended, the children all left us and went back to their lives, just as we did.  I cried.  I remembered when they were little and the end of a family vacation didn't mean they all dispersed - we all went home to one house.  Not any more.  As adults, they all have their own lives.  Today, though, I live in the love God gives us, knowing that their hope and future lies in the best hands, God's hands.

Blessed Father, thank you for always being with my family.  Whether we are near each other or not, I know that we are in your hands God, where our future is strong and our hope is alive.  Please bless all of us, and our families.  May we find comfort knowing that in your hands our families' futures are filled with love.  In your name.  Amen.

Just Like Riding a Bike Again

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

2 Chronicles 15:7

Family vacation time!  All the planning of flights, renting a house, menu outlines, etc. came down to the final point - the renting of the bikes.  I took stock of all who wanted to rent and then the big decision came, do I rent a bike for myself.  Many of you may say, "Sure, why not?".  I'm not the most athletic person and I can only try to remember the last time I was on a bike.  Years would be an understatement.  I think we are talking decades!  Yet, I took the first step, the mental step, and said YES, I will rent a bike.

We drove up to the house and there they were - the bikes!  Let's get real - we aren't talking mountain bikes, just the easy beach bikes that one drives on bike paths.  So, this morning, the decision was made by Juan and me, let's go for a bike ride.  My dear husband knows just how daunting this was for me so he insured the bike seat was right and that I was pointed in the right direction (remember when you were a kid and you were being taught how to ride a bike?).  With the petals just at the right spots and open road ahead of me, I was off.   After stumbling a few times (and going off the road), I thought twice as to whether this was going to work.  Then it happened, I got the swing of things - I was riding a bike again.

As we rode along the trail, I felt like I had success - I was able to ride along and not hit another cyclist.  With that, we were able to ride to the beach and see the beautiful scenery.  It was incredible,  The wind was blowing through my hair and I felt great.  My first thought was, "it is just like riding a bike again."

I have to say, this verse came to mind as I was struggling along the side of the road - debating whether this was a good idea or not.  I kept working at it and didn't want to let the situation get the best of me.  I kept trying, and I was rewarded.  That is how our dear Lord is with us!  He understands how difficult situations can be for us.  Our goal is to keep trying and to work hard with the life God has blessed us with.  Not every moment is going to be smooth sailing.  Yet, if we are strong and do not give up, God will reward us.  And those are the sweetest moments - like being able to ride a bike again!!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for providing us the moments where we need to persevere and not give up.  We know that if we continue in the path you provide for us, there are sweet rewards - rewards personalized for each and everyone one of us.  Blessings are so much greater when we work hard at them.  Thank you Jesus!!

Birds of Different Feathers

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.  On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."  1 Peter 3:9

As I sat in the backyard with my cup of coffee this morning, I was looking at my bird feeder.  Between the birds at the feeder and those "waiting their turn", there were many different types of birds.  Yet, what I found most intriguing was the singing.  The cardinal chirped in small quick beats.  The mourning dove sang in a longer stride, with an up tone at the end.  As I listened more intently, I could hear numerous birds singing.  Each bird was singing in a very distinct way.  They looked different and they sang different.  Yet together, it was as if they were in harmony - and the beauty of one complimented the next.

I'm thinking if birds can do this, why can't humans?  Why can't all of us sing our own language and compliment the next?  Why can't we all look our own yet come together in harmony?  This past week, the insulting words and hateful comments seemed to be all around, especially on social media.  Every time I turned to my phone, I seemed to see hurtful comments being shared.  I started getting very angry about it.  Why are people so nasty?  There are difficult and horrible things going on in this world.  Yet, do we have to add to it?

The answer is NO!  We don't have to be a part of it.  We don't have to be a part of nasty things on Facebook. We don't have to be a part of the gossip.  We don't have to have the negative attitude.  We can do our part.  We can be the change.  I know what you might be thinking, "One person really can't make the difference in such a huge issue!"  Perhaps you are right, our own actions may not change the world.  Yet, they may change that ONE person you are speaking to.  Maybe others seeing your positive viewpoint will come along with you.  You never know if the situation that you're going to walk into is the one that needs a positive statement.  It's time to take the bold step away from the criticism and into the light.

We need to walk like Jesus did.  He brought harmony between different people.  He used words of love and truth and hope.  He accepted each person as they were, regardless of their different feathers.  When we all can gather together and walk in the steps of Jesus, we are creating the world as God intended - with joy and peace and love.  I don't know about you, but that is a world I would rather be a part of.  So let's not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.  Let us be the blessing that people need!  Let us sing the songs of hope to all.  

Jesus, help fill my mouth with words that sing praises.  Help me to turn away from negativity and critique and focus on positive and hope.  May the words that fill my mouth be those that are not filled with evil, but with joy.  Let others see the love you so richly give to me.  In your name I pray.  Amen!

Facing the Son

"Seek the Lord and His strength, Seek His face continually."  1 Chronicles 16:11

I find sunflowers fascinating.  As with most flowers, they come in an array of beautiful colors.  Yes, the most common is the yellow petals, but some have darker oranges and browns that are integrated into every petal.  It looks as if each color is precisely painted onto the petal canvas. This weekend, I also saw some pretty ones that had no yellow on them at all!  Then there is the size.  They range from the smallest of flowers to ones that seem larger than life.  

Not only do sunflowers look like the sun, but they also gravitate towards it.  When growing sunflowers, you will notice that the stalk will grow straight up, but the point where the flower starts to bud always faces the sun.  If you look at a field of sunflowers, they are always facing the same way.  It's stunning!  Most flowers certainly will seek the sun, but the sunflower actually will move towards the way of the strongest sun.  No, I'm not making this up - it is something called heliotropic and it means that they follow the sun as the sun moves through the sky.  Pretty neat!

As I stopped to pick some sunflowers yesterday, I thought about this beauty and it reminded me of Jesus.  I know when I follow the "Son", Jesus, I am brighter and flourish greater.  When my focus is on His word and His teachings, my life seems to have a sense of calm and peace.  No, not everything is perfect, but I know when I'm facing the Son, all will find its purpose - including me!  Focusing on the sunshine that He brings into my world sets my compass.  

I also know that it's not just about facing Jesus when I feel like it, like once a week on Sundays.  Daily prayer and devotion also help me to keep my focus.  It's my ability to stay connected to Jesus morning, noon and night.  I will admit there are times when I am better at this than other times.  Yet, like the sunflower, it's about finding that Son to readjust all that my soul needs to grow.  Life is hard sometimes.  Tough decisions need to be made and situations can bring calamity.  Life's not all "sunshine and sunflowers".  On those days when the sun doesn't shine, we have a Son that always shines and will always help to bring light into our lives.  It doesn't matter who we are - from the smallest of us in size and spirit to the largest of us.  Just like the sunflower, Jesus will shine on you!  Find a way to "Face the Son".  I can guarantee when you do, YOUR flowers will be brighter and you will be stunning.

Dearest Jesus - help us to be like the sunflower.  May we face towards you at all times and may you grant us your everlasting light.  Help us to find ways to seek your face and live our lives facing you.  In your name we pray.  Amen!

Blueberries and Blessings

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

As the heat wave has taken over most of the United States, many of us have found a cooler environment. That was my plan yesterday, AFTER I got to the blueberry patch in town.  One of the treasures about living in a smaller farming community is all the fruits and veggies you can not only pick up at a local market, but actually pick right from its origin.  I've picked many things, yet, my favorite is blueberries.  The season is longer than the rest, which provides me ample opportunity to get out there and get some of these gems.  Not to mention how good the blueberry is for your health.  Blueberry picking is a place of solace for me.  Despite the heat & humidity at that hour, it was worth the time with me, nature, and God.  

For those who haven't picked blueberries, the bush stands about 4' tall.  There are wonderful berries right on top that you pick and put into your bucket.  During a good season, you can see beautiful berries right on the top of the branches.  My favorites, though, are when you get down a little lower and see all the beautiful berries underneath the branches.  Such a bounty hiding there.  

The picking yesterday was definitely plentiful.  As I was picking and chatting with God, I was reminded of how the blueberries were so much like the blessings in my life.  As I moved from bush to bush, seeing the bounty on the top, I can move from different areas of my life and see the bounty of blessings, whether family, friends, work, relationships, health - the list goes on and on.  These are the blessings that stare back at us on a regular basis.  They may be the big ones - getting that new job you wanted or hearing a positive health report.  These are the big "blueberries" right on top.

When I searched a little lower, I realized all the wonderful blessings that were tucked underneath those obvious ones.  The community that I live in, the ability to physically get around, the love I have in my life, the cool air I would be enjoying when I returned home - the things that we may take for granted.  As each blueberry went into the bucket, I found myself thanking God more and more for all that He has given to me.  He not only is meeting my needs, but providing a bounty of blueberry blessings for me.  Just like the blueberry, they are all VERY good for me.  

I also looked over my life on things that I thought should be good blessings for me, but God knew better (doesn't he always!).  The prayers that I sent up to him that I thought were unanswered, but were actually no!  Looking back on those times, I am so very grateful for His guidance in opening up new blessings for me.  Oh how good our God is - all the time.  Even in times of despair, there are always a few "blueberries" underneath the branches for us to find.  I ask that the next time you eat a blueberry (and you just can't eat one), consider all the blessings our Dear Lord has provided for you.  May your bounty be rich as the Lord looks upon you with his grace and mercy.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the bountiful "blueberry" blessings you provide to us.  Sometimes they stare us in the face; other times we may have to look a little harder.  At all times, we are thankful!  May you continue to bless us in all our needs and help us to always recognize the goodness you provide to us.  In your holiest of names we pray.  Amen!

Where The Breeze Blows

"The wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."  John 3:8

It's a hot summer evening.  The air is stagnant and the warmth penetrates the skin.  As time passes, one realizes how very warm it is.  Just as you think about going inside to the air-conditioned house, it happens.  First you hear it - a rustle in the tree tops.  Then you see it, movement of the leaves.  At last, at very last, you feel it.  The breeze you've been waiting for - the breeze that provides gentle refreshment.  Ahhhh, a good enough reason to stay outside a little longer.

The comfort of a gentle breeze.  It amazes me that something so simple can provide such great relief.  In all honesty, one truly cannot SEE the breeze itself.  We get to see the breeze as it effects nature.  We see the breeze when it touches something else.  It may be leaves on a tree, or a flag on a pole, or a kite in the sky.  That breeze can only be seen when it touches another item to be moved.

In scripture, the breeze (or wind) is used when describing the Holy Spirit, as in our verse for today.  As John 3:8 states, we can't tell where the breeze comes from or goes to.  The reference of the Holy Spirit is truly real.  I think back upon times in my life when the Holy Spirit was truly that gentle breeze.  I didn't know where it came from, but it passed by me just when I needed it.  Many times, I feel it when I'm working in the garden and I'm frustrated by the weeds, the heat, and even the lack of veggies.  Then, it happens - that gentle breeze.  It passes by and I have a different perspective.  It rejuvenates me.  I truly believe it is the Holy Spirit helping me to change my attitude from negative to positive.  

The Holy Spirit breeze has also touched my soul on many other occasions.  When I have the opportunity to share God's word with ladies at a Bible Study or even as I write this blog, often I can feel the Holy Spirit breeze with me, encouraging me.  It certainly isn't my own accord or ability.  Left up to me, I would surely fail as I am a creature of sin.  Yet, when the Holy Spirit breezes through me, I am rejuvenated and energized.  I don't know when He is coming and I don't know where He will go next.  I revel in the grace I've been given by Him to continue on the path God has sent me.

The next time the gentle breeze blows, stop and think.  What do you need in your life right at that moment?  Do you need a word of encouragement?  Do you need to feel loved?  Do you need refreshment?  Whatever your need, know that the Holy Spirit is with you providing exactly what you need at that moment.  Hold onto it and cherish it.  Smile - for you have felt God's hand on you!!

Holy Spirit, thank you for being the breeze that blows and reminds me that God is with me.  By you living in me, I am able to move forward on the path God has chosen for me.  Release me from my frustrations and energize me to continue to march onward.  Provide me the refreshment I need!  In your holy name I pray.  Amen.

That Groundhog!!

"The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."

1 John 3:8

It happens every year.  Juan begins the process of setting up my garden.  He graciously turns over the dirt and ensures it is ready for planting.  He takes out all the weeds that came up over the winter/spring and makes sure I have all I need.  This includes the very important "groundhog fencing".  Throughout the years, he has worked diligently to keep the groundhog from eating what I'm trying to sow and harvest.  One year, the groundhog managed to eat all my beans.  Another year it was the zucchini.  The past couple of years, we have found the rhythm.  Fencing around the garden with stakes, ties, staples, etc.  You get the picture.  It has worked!  Until this year . . .

It started with the broccoli.  I planted it and within a week it was all eaten.  I couldn't believe that a groundhog could have weaseled its way into the garden, so I blamed it on the deer.  Until I saw the groundhog IN the garden.  I watched in amazement.  How could this animal get over the fencing?  Getting under it was not an option, that was closed tight with no sign of entry.  A couple of days later, I noticed the groundhog on its hind legs - yes, he was probably high enough to climb over the fence and gain entrance.  The beans are slowly dwindling, but the rest of the veggies are okay - so far.

I sat and looked at the garden and thought about its struggle with the groundhog.  It reminded me of my own struggle - with the devil.  I try to guard myself against the devil.  With devotions, Bible reading, church services and certainly prayer, I try to ensure that the devil stays away from me and my family.  Yet, no matter how much I try to prepare and ensure that I am protected from the devil, he always seems to weasel his way back into my life - and my sinful nature becomes so very evident.  He is just like the groundhog, finding a way through all the fencing I put around my soul and heart, to weasel his way in and eat his way through all my positive actions to my sinful nature.  When that happens, I feel so very defeated, like he has won again.  

Yet, unlike my broccoli and beans being eaten up, I have someone who is saving me from the harm of the devil - my savior Jesus.  Jesus is there to ensure that I am not destroyed by the devil, but saved from his harmful ways to an everlasting life with Him.  When I feel defeated and wonder why I even try, Jesus is there to remind me of all the love he has for me and how His mercy covers me and brings me from the darkness of the devil into His light.  With Jesus on my side, I have the greatest defense against the devil.  If the devil weasels his way in, Jesus is there waiting for him and chasing him away.  How very awesome God is!  So when you think that the groundhog, better known as the devil, is invading the garden of your heart and soul, remember you have the greatest fencing available.  You have Jesus!!  There is no greater defense.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for being my "fencing" against the devil, ensuring that he doesn't eat away at my soul.  Knowing that you are there for me brings me such comfort.  Knowing that you cover me with your mercy brings me such relief.  Knowing that you love me brings me such joy.  Thank you for being my greatest defense Jesus!  Amen.