Sparkle

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

More than 40 years after living life with the class of '79, we gathered together on the campus of Kentucky Christian University, and the years melted away. My dear friends, Helen and Terry, hosted a picnic. What a grand time of visiting and singing! Even though I had not seen some of these fine folks since 1977, we fell right into step with one another.

Among those who attended the Alumni weekend, our core group (who keep in touch almost daily) visited in person with joy and many hugs. When we arrived, our sweet Holly gifted each of us with a handmade package filled with tea and chocolate. I tucked the little treat in my suitcase. After I arrived home, I unpacked and pulled out the bundle of goodness. When I went to place it on my microwave beside some pretty cups, I noticed cards sticking out. I pulled them from the package and found words of encouragement. Holly not only gifted me with goodies, she gave me expressions of love. "You are inscribed on the palm of His hand." Isaiah 49:16. Plus other verses about being created in Christ and letting my light shine. At that moment I wanted to cry tears of joy.

Holly's bundle reminds me of the joy I find in Jesus. On what seems like an ordinary day, God surprises me with his encouragement. Somewhere tucked into the day, if I take the time to look, Jesus shows me that I'm his child, and He loves me. Maybe through nature or my husband or a friend, He lets me know I am his. God wants me to pass the same encouragement He pours over me to the individuals He places in my path. Whether family, friends, or strangers God calls me to value people. Philippians 2:15-16 reminds us to "shine like stars in the universe" as we hold on to the word of God.  

You were created to sparkle for Jesus.

Fall Findings Friday: A Poem for Fall

Apples and pumpkins made into pie

Warm shades of leaves, a brilliant blue sky.

Cook up the chili.

Wrap in a sweater.

Let's get ready for cool autumn weather!

I love the crispness of fall. 

What do you like about fall?

Gourds at Young's Dairy Farm

Welcome Autumn!

Children's Board Book Review: Snuggle Time Fall Blessings by Glenys Nellist , Illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Snuggle up with your little one and enjoy all the best parts of autumn together—pumpkin picking, colored leaves, hayrides, and more—with this adorable padded-cover board book. Get ready for repeated readings and lots of hugs!

Carving pumpkins. Fresh baked apple pie. Leaf piles. Jack-o'-lanterns. Featuring Glenys Nellist’s whimsical read-aloud rhymes and Cee Biscoe’s cuddly illustrations, the Snuggle Time Fall Blessings board book will become part of your new autumn reading tradition.

My Review:
I love everything Glenys Nellist writes for children. Her sweet poems are paired well with the adorable, whimsical illustrations of Cee Biscoe. Fall is the perfect time to tuck into the house and snuggle with a child or grandchild and this delightful little book. I know my five-year-old granddaughter will enjoy the poems and pictures with me. This is also a perfect way to share the change of seasons with little ones. Grab some hot chocolate and cuddle up and read Snuggle Time Fall Blessings with your favorite child. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

She Gives Me Hope

Mark 5:25-29; 32-34

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

I've been sewing a Mary Poppin's coat for my granddaughter. She wants to dress up like Mary for Trunk-and-Treat. Her mama provided the hat and parrot-headed umbrella, but we couldn't find a child-sized Poppin's coat, anywhere. So Grammy Penny (that's me!) searched high and low to find a pattern and blue wool to create the perfect costume/winter coat. I've stitched for several days and finally come to the finishing touches. Yesterday, I laid the coat out and started pinning the hem. As I rounded the garment, my mind drifted to the woman who touched the edge of Jesus' robe.

The woman, who had bleed for years from a disease no one could heal, placed her hand on the cloth of Jesus' cloak. She didn't ask. Instead she reached out in faith and hope. She believed she'd be healed by the Great Physician. Indeed, her aliment left her body. More important, her healing brought recognition from Jesus. He saw and felt her faith as she touched his clothes. Jesus freed her from her suffering because of her trust.

Jesus wants me to believe. I admit, my faith has been shaken when friends I've prayed for died. I didn't understand. I tried not to question, but I did, yet I'm drawn back to this woman who's faith healed her. She gives me hope. I'm reminded, sometimes the healing comes on earth and sometimes in heaven. I may not like the answer to my prayers. But I have faith in Jesus to heal the wounds the world opens. As the woman knelt down to touch Jesus' garment, I kneel to praise my Lord and my Savior and to proclaim my trust in him.

Have faith in the One who saves.

Flower Friday: Mandevilla Sanderi

The Mandevilla Sanderi, new to me this summer, grows in a variety of colors. My step-daughter has a lovely white one on her front steps. I discovered the pink ones at the Book Loft in Columbus. Also called Brazilian jasmine, this vining plant adds a fun flair to summer flowers. 

What we do not See

Just looking at Lake Michigan, I have to wonder what is under the water. Like the ocean or any large body of water, we can't see what's there. Yet we venture in with the hope all will be well. How much more faith does it take to venture into a life with Jesus? 

Have faith!