A Thousand Shards

Psalm 31:12b, 14-18
I have become like broken pottery...

But I trust in you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands;
    deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    from those who pursue me.
Let your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your unfailing love.

Shattered into a thousand shards.

I know what it feels like to have my heart broken like pottery. Don’t you? If you live on this earth long enough, something will most likely shatter your heart and throw you into a tailspin.

Recently, our family endured a difficult situation. Many of us, along with friends and acquaintances, spent the night praying, seeking God’s help when we felt helpless. Thanks be to God, the results were positive and a blessing even in the midst of stress.

My heart still hurts for my family, but I know God’s comforting hand is on us. When someone in my family hurts, I want to take the burden from them and carry it myself, but because I’m not the one who has the strength for such a task, I seek Jesus and ask for his help.

God's servant David struggled and lived a life of turmoil, even in his dedication to God. At times, his heart shattered over the suffering he endured. In the Psalm, he broke down and cried out to his Father to deliver him.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus carries my burdens when I can’t. He takes the exhaustion and worries and lifts them on his shoulders and walks beside me. I am so grateful for his care for myself and my family.

Seek Jesus.

Rock the Path

Psalm 37:23-24
The Lord makes firm the steps
     of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
     for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

So many rocks.

If you walk far enough on the hiking path at our park, you’ll find an uneven incline filled with rough rocks of all sizes. When we’re feeling energetic, Tim and I take Rosie to the top. Tim and Rosie amble up the rough, rocky terrain, but I have to stop and take a breath. Honestly, it’s not that steep, but for me, who generally walks on a flat surface, it’s a challenge. And it’s one I like to take occasionally.

With the help of my hiking stick (thank you, Zeke,) I pick through the rocks and take careful steps, because this old girl doesn’t want a broken hip.

I love the verses in Psalm 37 that remind me the Lord has me in his sights, and because I love God, He watches over me and helps me when I might stumble, whether over literal rocks or in everyday life.

With each step I took on the rocks, I measured the consequences if I’d fall. I considered how to move through the path without harm. Isn’t that how I should live my life? Instead of hurrying and fumbling, it’s important to check my steps, even as God holds my hand. It’s too easy to stumble along and possibly fall on the path and in life.

I need to take caution in the words I say, the actions I take, the attitude I carry, and how I treat others. Am I judging when I should be praying? Am I criticizing when I should be compassionate? Am I causing someone else to stumble when I should be helping them along the path?

As you walk the path God prepared for you, discover ways to move alongside other people and help them navigate life as God helps you.

Today is the Day!

Happy Birthday, Hope at Last!

I'm excited to share that Home at Last is here at last.

Abbott Island book 3:

When mysterious holes are discovered on Abbott Island, Lucy Grayson wants answers. She also longs for a special someone in her life. 

 

Local farmer, Owen Miller finds himself helping Lucy solve the mystery. As they dig into the island history and gather clues, will they find more than hidden treasure? Perhaps they’ll discover love? 

Order your copy at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other places books are sold.

 

A Partridge in a Pea

I love when I find an unexpected beauty.

While I tried to photograph gold finches at the park, 

I stumbled across this golden charmer. 

The partridge pea hid in the meadow 

behind a plethora of spent beebalm, the finches fed from.

The leaves are lovely and the flower attracts bees and butterflies.

God has created the most amazing flora.

 

What's Holding You Back?

Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Tim and I walked Rosie along the paved path at the local park. As we rounded a curve, we stopped. The night before, a storm had blown through and the wind had knocked over a couple of trees. We couldn’t see the path beyond the downed trees.

We had a choice, turn around and head the other direction or climb through the mess and try to get to the other side. Wisdom told us to turn and hike back along the path we’d taken. Out of curiosity, we walked all the way around and checked out the other side of the fallen trees. By the time we finished, a crew of groundskeepers arrived to clean up the trees.

When I saw the barrier, my first thought was, “What’s holding me back?” Then I wondered, “How do I move forward?” Both good questions.

At times, I’m stopped in my tracks and have to reevaluate what to do. Sometimes, I need to move forward past the obstacles in my way, other times I need to turn around and reassess my circumstances. If we’d tried to climb over the trees, I’m sure one of us (me) would’ve been injured. So why chance it when I know it’s not the right move?

But there are times when God calls us to move forward, and it’s scary, or I simply feel uncertain. In Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Moses is old and won’t be going with them, but he reminds them of an important truth. God is going with them. Moses calls them to be strong and courageous.

Every day I make choices. Sometimes roadblocks like fear and discouragement stand in my way, even guilt over a decision that may affect other people. God calls us to ask Him for guidance. He’s with us and He assures us He listens and loves us.

With God by our side, we can be strong and courageous no matter what tries to hold us back.

Queen Anne's Lovely Lace

When I was a child, I was fascinated with the 

Queen Anne's lace that grew in our ditch.

Also known as wild carrot, 

the intricate blooms formed gorgeous patterns.

An old legend says the wildflower herb is named after 

Queen Anne of England who hand made beautiful lace. 

If you look closely, you can see the dark spot in the center of the flower.

Supposedly, she pricked her finger and a drop of blood fell on her lace.

Whether it's true or not, it's an entertaining story.

I still get excited when I see this lovely bloom of summer.

What do you like to see in bloom? 

Do you have any favorites from childhood?

 

Don't Stop Praying

Acts 1:13-14
When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Prayer is not a last resort—it is our most powerful weapon.

A newspaper clipping was making the rounds on Facebook that asked everyone to stop what they were doing and pray for our country for one minute. If we as believers, in the power of prayer to our heavenly Father, asked for deliverance, wisdom, and truth—imagine the outcome.

At times, I've flung up a prayer in desperation, not realizing the powerful tool I had at my fingertips. Think about it, as a fumbling human, I have the opportunity to speak directly to the Creator of the universe. I can call on Him any time, and He hears me. That's incredible!

Not only does He hear me, He cares about whatever I'm asking.

In Acts chapter one, the apostles and followers of Jesus found themselves at a loss. Their beloved teacher and friend had died. Yes, he rose from the grave, but his closest cohorts found themselves without their friend and leader. They needed to move forward and establish the church but were perplexed about the situation.

They didn't sit around and grumble—they prayed—and not just a few words aimed toward God, they talked to Him constantly. The folks who knew and loved Jesus talked to God all the time, to seek guidance and direction for their lives and for the church.

These days I find I have much to pray about—folks who are ill, our military, Christians who are suffering at the hands of evil, the unrest in our country, my family and friends, my writing, and so much more.

God calls me to pray. To seek Him, to talk to Him about the concerns of my heart. I won't get a better offer.

Pray constantly to the One who listens.

Matthew West sings the song of my heart, right now. Please, take a listen.