The Son Will Raise Me Up

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Rain beat against the window and thunder roared through the sky. Clouds dumped water on the garden and drenched the flowers. When I walked outside the next day, the black-eyed Susans looked like they’d seen better days. The wind and rain had pummeled the plants and knocked petals to the ground. The lengthy stems sprawled across the flower bed. This time of year, their days are numbered, but I’m hoping they rally for a few more weeks and wave their golden heads in the breeze.

During Jesus journey on this earth, He met great opposition. Religious leaders, sinners, political leaders took it upon themselves to destroy the Son of God. They ridiculed Him and eventually killed Him. But the beautiful thing is, Jesus rose from death and proclaimed victory over sin. He conquered death to give life to anyone who believes and loves Him. Because of Jesus love and sacrifice, I won’t lose heart.

My black-eyed Susans might lay down after the storm, but the sun will raise them up to bloom a bit longer. I may fall into temptation or simply grow weary, but the Son will raise me up and give me strength to keep going.

Jesus’ death and resurrection encourage me to endure as I keep moving forward. I won’t grow weary or lose heart because I have faith in Jesus.

Trust Him with your heart.

Laugh with the Flowers

I love this time of year because my flowers are laughing with color.

God created so much beauty for us to enjoy. 

When I stop and admire the Black-eyed Susans, zinnias, and lavender, 

I find balance to the stresses of daily life. 

I smile and sometimes even laugh.

Their glory reminds me to acknowledge the one who created them.

Praise God for his amazing creation!

They Remind Me of Hope

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Every summer, for as long as I remember, I've looked forward to the black-eyed Susan's blooms. I love how they dot the fields and ditches as if they are attending a ball and dressed in their finest array. Yet they show a humbleness by bowing their heads in a friendly wave. Their golden yellow color reminds me of the summers of my youth when we'd play in the fields, take walks or ride our bikes down the one-lane road, and these lovely flowers would dance and sway.

They also appear around my birthday. As a child I thought God planted them just for me, in time to celebrate the day I was born. (Can you keep a secret? I still feel a little bit that way.) For whatever reason He created such a delightful yet simple flower, I'll be forever grateful. When this perennial beauty returns, I am reminded of the eternal hope I have in Jesus.

The verse in Romans encourages me to remain joyful because I have hope. Hope of eternal life, hope of salvation, and hope for a life filled with joy. But in this world I will have pain and sorrow. The writer of Romans calls it affliction. I think of that word as a medical malady, but I believe he refers to the difficulties of life. It's hard to be patient when Satan attacks, when I feel hurt and stepped on, and when life just stinks. Yet I am called to be patient, to wait on the Lord. He asks me to be faithful in prayer. Jesus wants me to call on him in my affliction. His desire is for me to talk to him and seek his help.

I'm thankful I have hope that gives joy. I'm grateful for patience (I kind of cringe when I say that, but I know patience is a blessing.) I'm more than appreciative that I can talk to God about life. He listens to me and takes what I say to heart.

When you see the black-eyed Susan's nodding their heads, remember there's hope in Jesus.

So Does Hope

Black-eyed Susan 

nods her head and waves hello— 

as summer days slide by

Blessings of Peace

I've spent most of my life seeking peace. 

Quiet and calm encourage me.

Peace in the midst of chaos fills me with joy.

In my life, I've found only Jesus provides that kind of peace.

Flower Friday: Black-eyed Susans

Every summer for as long as I can remember, Black-eyed Susans bloomed on my birthday. Seeing the beautiful sunshine-filled flowers reminds me how much God loves me. These lovely posies bloom in gardens and meadows. I remember seeing them in the fields and ditches and feeling blessed to have such lovely birthday bouquets.

Hello, Black-eyed Susan!

Every year I look for the first black-eyed Susans of the the summer. I love to see them dance in the fields and along the roads. My favorite flower arrives just in time for my birthday. I believe they are God's way of reminding me he created me and he loves me. Today I discovered the first Susan bloom in my own flower bed. She smiled and said, "Hello! I'm here."