An Adventure of Obedience

Psalm 128:1
Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him.

Obedience to God is an act of faith.

For as long as I’ve walked with God on my writing journey, He’s only asked one thing of me—to be obedient. With every word I’ve typed, class I’ve taken, conference I’ve attended, He has opened doors for me to walk through. Mind you, I didn’t have to step through any of them. The free will He gives us to choose our own adventure could have kept me from the journey He planned. And at times, I know I stepped off the path, but He waited patiently for me to turn around and seek Him again. You see, I had a dream to be a writer, and I prayed about my desire. I had no idea where the journey would take me, but I knew God walked with me.

He’s my writing partner. The One who knows my every thought and prayer. He understands my heart’s desire and He’s given me the tools to follow my dream. I know this because He’s the one who placed the dream on my heart from the beginning.

Scott and Lori Conley had a dream to provide food to children, offer scholarships for camp, and provide pillows to kindergartners. They prayed about the possibility of beginning a ministry to empower children and provide for their unmet needs. Lori and Scott got the program off the ground with much prayer, and Empower Youth soared. Since then Lori has made her way to heaven, Scott remarried, and the dream has continued. Even though Lori is in her heavenly home, Scott has remained obedient to God’s call.

We don’t know where our passions might lead. I pray my words encourage and bring hope. I know Empower Youth feeds the hungry both physically and spiritually.

My question now is, do you have a dream, a desire, a passion you want to pursue? Is it something God has placed on your heart? Pray, read the Bible for guidance, and seek people who will encourage you and give you wisdom, and be obedient.

Have faith in the One who created you for your adventure.

Survive or Thrive

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

Do I thrive or survive?

Have you noticed spring’s signature color? The bright one that signals an awakening of the trees. I’m not sure I can describe the vibrant shade of green and do it justice., but I'll try. The bright, light yellow-green shimmered in the spring breeze as if golden sunshine water colored the leaves. Can you picture it?

When I traveled with Maggie to South Carolina, the mountains glowed with the green of spring, as the limbs reached to the sky and invited sunlight into their veins. Even along the cuts in hills that lined the roads, trees sprouted and waved as life flowed through their roots.

Those beautiful trees thrived.

Although many of the trees we witnessed with their delicate pops of green were young, they have the opportunity to grow into maturity. Which makes me wonder: Will they thrive or merely survive?

As a believer, Jesus gives me a choice. Will my soul thrive or will I just survive? Casting Crowns sings a song and asks if we want to live an ordinary life or thrive and live the life God intends for us. God plants dreams in our hearts, He gives us the opportunity to make the world a better place, and He offers salvation and a plan to live an amazing life in eternity. Thrive or survive? I want to thrive.

Meditate on His word, seek His guidance and learn to thrive.

A Life Without Dreams

My cousin reminded me I had dreamed of being a writer since I was young.

I'm thankful God had given me the opportunity to fulfill that dream.

Do you have a dream? Something you've wanted to do?

Has God placed a desire on your heart?

Ask God for guidance and a chance to make the dream come true.

 

Big Dreams and Powerful Prayers Illustrated Bible: 30 Inspiring Stories from the Old and New Testament by Mark Batterson, illustrated by Omar Aranda

Book Description:

Big Dreams and Powerful Prayers Illustrated Bible, written by Mark Batterson, the New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker, presents 30 inspiring stories from the Old and New Testament that will help children understand and embrace the power of prayer in their everyday lives. With Scripture references from the NIrV and stunning illustrations from Omar Aranda, this powerful book will touch the hearts of young readers and help connect them to God. Short Prayer Points after each story encourage children to talk to God and allow him to work in their lives.

Prayer changes things. It brings us closer to God and allows us to communicate with the One who loves us most.

My Review:
One of the most important elements of following Jesus is prayer. Teaching children about the many facets of this powerful communication may be complicated. Mark Batterson's book is filled with Bible stories, examples and explanations, simple prayers and verses that help explain the wonder of talking to God. Children will enjoy the colorful well drawn illustrations. Big Dreams and Powerful Prayers would be a great tool to use in Sunday School or for family devotions. Sometimes understanding the Bible can be overwhelming, this could even be a great tool for adults who are new to following Jesus. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Happy New Year!

Dreams and Bucket Lists

A trip to Maine had been on my bucket list for years. When Tim and I made the journey, I was determined to see puffins. On our third day in the beautiful state, we climbed aboard a boat and sailed out toward Eastern Egg Rock Island. The overcast day made for good picture taking. But the choppy waters challenged me. I held on to the rail, balanced myself and my camera and shot photos of the floating birds. They bounced on the water, I bounced on the boat, but I did it. I captured those cute little fellows in their environment. At sixty years old, I accomplished my dream. 

Atlantic Ocean Puffin