I accomplished the impossible. I devised a raccoon proof bird feeder! I just might post this victory message on a nature loving website since everything I’ve read states it can’t be done!
Renewed Strength
I strained to see them and marveled at their graceful movements among the rocky cliffs of Israel—the Ibex mountain goat. They actually looked like petite antelopes. Visitors to Israel often get to glimpse them springing from rock to rock as they navigate the mountain heights, graceful and confident. One glimpse immediately brings a familiar verse to mind, one you might have seen on wall hangings, plaques or even have in your own home!
Cleaning Up and Cleaning Out
I scampered for shelter from tending the burn pile. The rumbling thunder signaled the arrival of yet another Spring storm. From my porch perch, I gazed at the darkened sky and marveled at what I saw—birds barely in view calmly soaring in and out of the clouds.
Encountering Jesus – Through the Lives of the Faithful
Among all the tissue paper in the box I found nestled inside -- a Bible. The leather cover barely attached and the yellowing, crackling pages made it fragile to touch. The Bible belonged to my great-grandmother. A handmade bookmark marked Psalm 23, while a pencil had circled John 3:16--scriptures that shaped her faith through the years.
Encountering Jesus: Hanging Onto Joy When You Are Falling Apart
I am the glass is half filled person, and I do look for the good in all things. I am a happy person – so I thought this would be an easy word to study. Just weeks into the new year I realized my definition of joy and God’s definition were a little different.
Encountering Jesus – Finding Peace in the Storm
I put my arms around his trembling body and, as I patted his head, I reassured him we were safe. Soon he fell asleep in my arms. I wish I could be that calm in my storms, I thought, as he drifted into a deep sleep.
Encountering Jesus- When the Storms of Life Come
I looked up at the sky and prayed, Lord, I needed a little heads up on this one. Even a Post It note would have worked. I heard the Lord say, “I am with you. Paper flies away, but I stay.” I smiled imagining Jesus standing next to me at the kitchen sink.
Encountering Jesus – Roses and Green Beans
As the winds picked up and the smell of rain got stronger – we had to hurry! Grandpa was coming behind me covering the tiny seeds. My rows were all planted. With almost a half bag of seed left, panic set in. I had to empty my bag of seed somehow. So, I began tossing the seed in the air until my bag was empty.
Ever Get The Blahs?
Normally optimistic, returning home, I fell into the blahs. I couldn’t even really put my finger on why I was blah. I bet you’ve had those seasons, perhaps during winter and longing for spring as I was!
Is My Prayer God’s Will?
Have you had that deep night of the soul experience when no words would come as you tried to present Jesus your need? I have. Those are times I’ve experienced that peace that makes no sense (Philippians 4:6-7). I can’t explain it, only experience the truth.
Hurry Up Spring!
Stresses in life remind me of those long, gray winter days. I long for fruit that comes in the warm months, but I must wait to enjoy the harvest.
Formed, Forgiven, Never Forgotten!
Throughout the Old Testament we see a “remnant” of God’s followers who live through the hardest circumstances and the greatest sins. They came back to God time and again and received forgiveness.
Need a New View?
After living 30 years in our home, we finally replaced the windows this year! We have some big windows, which sold me on this house with all the natural sunlight. But we never realized how cloudy the old ones were until the new windows were installed.
My Rescuer
As I write, our entire world is experiencing the Coronavirus. It is a time of lost jobs, financial uncertainty, sickness, and death. As a result, many are unnerved with unrest. Even those of us who love Jesus may find our circumstances causing disheartening thoughts to race.
It’s Toxic!
We are to have compassion in our relationships, but what about that person who continually causes strife? The one that drives us to the feet of Jesus and to seek counseling?
Compassion Instead of Reaction
We all have people in our lives who either grate on our nerves or treat us disrespectfully. I don’t know about you, but I am guilty of sometimes reacting with the same attitude.
A Sweet Friendship
Once, I was sharing something with a friend. She stopped what she was doing, turned toward me, and gave me her full attention. It was a very busy time for her, but she still stopped everything. It struck me how this made me feel; valued, loved, and my words were important to her. It was a slight gesture that weighed tons in my soul.
Holding Them at Arm’s Length
I rented a cabin on Lake Catherine in Arkansas for a week to spend time with the Lord and work through a challenging time in life. I searched for a study to guide my time with Him. So, one evening, I stood in between the shelves of LifeWay, praying for the Lord to show me which book to pick.
In The Thick of Trouble
Thorns… I don’t like them.
Recently, I was caught in a fight with multiple vine-like thorn bushes while trying to clear an area of land. The more I wrestled with them, the more they caught my clothes and circled around me… like a live animal attacking. I cried out for help!
Unite
Siblings… do you have them?
Growing up, there were four of us and everyone was very talkative!
In our younger years, it was chaos… everyone talking at once or arguing!
I loved my siblings, but there were times we were divided.