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.

Love and Faithfulness

Our neighbor grows a beautiful flower garden every year. 

The other day I spied this pretty plant. 

When I looked up the name, I discovered that it's Solomon's Seal. 

That led me to Proverbs, where Solomon shared his wisdom.

In Proverbs 3:3, he advises God's people 

to bind the Lord's love and faithfulness around their necks 

and write His wisdom on their hearts. 

Keeping His love and faithfulness close to my heart

gives me courage and hope.

 

Seek His Truth

Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

I’m a little late to the game.

A couple of months ago, my daughter and grandson asked me if I had watched The Chosen, a television series depicting the life of Jesus and the disciples. They told me how much they enjoyed it, so I tuned in. I soon discovered I’d been missing out on one of the best portrayals of the Bible I’d seen. The show closely follows scripture and reveals the lives of the men and women who followed Jesus as well as the ones who denied him as the Messiah.

To see them and relate to them left me wanting more of Jesus and His experience with people. Although I read about them in the Bible, seeing the actors portray the disciples and give credence to their faith, and yes, their confusion at times, makes the stories I’ve heard for sixty years more believable. Matthew, the tax collector, portrayed as anxious and intelligent, writes everything Jesus says down on parchment. Peter is emotional and ready to fight for Jesus, while Thomas questions everything, and John keeps a cool head. Mary Magdalene’s heart shines after Jesus heals her and forgives her.

I don’t usually enjoy television that tries to portray the Bible, but The Chosen, so far, has captured the scripture and portrayed the men and women as believable.

I’m sharing this because in my heart, Jesus is as real as you and me. To see Him portrayed on the screen as a kind, caring man who bears the ultimate burden has increased my faith. We all know God moves in mysterious ways, and for me it has been through diving into my Bible as I watch The Chosen, checking references and moments against scripture. Because I long to grow in my faith every day, I’m open to opportunities for the Holy Spirit to fill me. Did I mention the grandson who loves this show is thirteen? A teenager. And that makes my heart sing. I’m so glad I can share this with him.

This isn’t an endorsement for the show, but rather one more way I’ve found to connect to scripture. Maybe it’s for you, maybe it’s not, but I urge you to continue to find what does make you want to read God’s word and talk to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you delve into His word and seek His truth.

Let the Fields be Jubilant

I went to one of the local libraries on Saturday to listen to a poetry reading.

On my way in I noticed these lovely double daffodils, 

and of course I had to stop and take a photo.

God created the most amazing plants. 

He timed them to bloom at different times of the year

and in so many gorgeous colors. 

This quote by Albert Einstein makes sense to me.

The more time I spend in nature, the more I embrace God.

Through His creation, I get to know him better and 

understand how much love He lavishes on us.

 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 

Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,

    he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Psalm 96:11-13

Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Playing a sport as a youngster is not for the faint of heart.

I opened my calendar and spread their schedules in front of me. Grandchildren in track, baseball, and softball filled the pages, not to mention Tim’s schedule as a Red’s usher and my author obligations.

We’ve watched our children and grandchildren compete in sports for years. Tim and I even coached our own kids.

I enjoy all kinds of sports, especially when the grands are participating. Watching Eli throw the discus and shotput was a new experience. I love his attitude. He’s brand new to the sport and willing to learn. He wants to do his best. Zeke, in his baseball, has grown by leaps and bounds and this year, the coach is tapping into his potential. Again, he has a great attitude, he wants to learn and do his best. Ella Cate, in softball, is the same as are Max and Aiden in basketball and track and Dylan in tennis. All of these young folks have approached their sport with an attitude of courage and a determination to be strong in their sport. They each want to enjoy the game, but also learn and grow. They know their parents and grandparents are there cheering them on and encouraging them to do their best.

When God tapped Joshua to take over for Moses, Joshua stepped up and told the people what would happen next. God reminded him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) Several times, God reminded Joshua to be strong and have courage. And he did.

Just as we encourage and support our grandkids in their sports, God reminds us to be strong and have courage as we serve Him. That may require learning something new, spending time in His word or on our knees in prayer. God’s courage goes before me as I serve Him and minister to others. He gives me the strength and courage to do the things I hesitate to do on my own. I’m thankful for God’s love and encouragement.

Take heart, and be strong and courageous.

Book Signings

I'd love to see you at one of these events!

 

Life Strategy

 

On a walk with Tim and Rosie, I spied Virginia bluebells all over the woods. 

Their bright blue flower brightened the spring day and reminded

me of all the beauty God has created and 

how His hand in my life changed me.

The day I chose to walk with God, I made the best decision of my life. 

With God by my side, I navigate rough waters with faith

because God never fails to be my refuge and guide. 

With Him, I'm braver than I ever could be without him. 

His love and grace is game changing.