Embrace the Season

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We don’t have to leave our home
these  days for the world’s bad
news to come  crashing down
upon us. Too much information
crowds our souls as we search

the internet, scan the news or browse Facebook.

Sometimes we just need to stop, pull back, and take a break from the world.
The best way I know of getting away from it all is to get up early and watch
a new day dawn, especially at springtime.
 Signs of new growth abound and
soon I’m down on my knees digging in the soil, pulling weeds, 
transplanting
old plants, adding new ones.

In the same way, Spring can ring eternal in our hearts when we take time to
walk through the Word of God and embrace the promises found there. Eternal
truths never lose their power to renew and refresh our minds. Give comfort
when we grieve a loss; and cause new hope to arise in our hearts during times
of stormy trials and winds of adversity.

There’s a hope rooted
down deep . . .
Deep in the soil of God’s love.
Winds of adversity
test it . . .
Stormy trials try

to possess it.
But hope is
rooted down deep
in the soil of
God’s love.  

There’s a hope springing up
with shoots of

new growth.
Nothing can stop it…
Evil can’t thwart it.
Hope always
thrusts through

hardened soil,
softened by Spring’s rain.
Eternal hope . . .

Everlasting love.

Anchor of my soul,
birthed and
born again. (John 3:3-17)

Eternal Seed implanted . . .
catch the wind of the Spirit.
New life . . .
spring forth.

Awaken winter’s dead.
Heavenly showers fall—
rain flowers
upon my soul.

This hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Walk With God

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Lay to rest ghosts’ lying shadows,

Put them away where they belong.

Embrace Truth of timeless ages,

God is Love and on His Throne.

 Lay to rest life’s dis-appointments,

Put them away where they belong.

Embrace Love’s Divine appointments,

When you walk with God. you’re never alone.

#Declaration of Love

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Today is the 4th of July. The day I have the wonderful privilege and joy of celebrating both my country’s birthdate and my own. There will be lots of celebration and fireworks all across the country as we remember those who sacrificed life and blood down through the years to make us free.

Because its my birth-date as well, I remember the love and sacrifice of my mother who gave me birth over seventy years ago.

Most of all, I remember the God who created me in my mother’s womb, made me aware of the love and grace of  Jesus Christ; and caused me to be born again.

Father God, I praise you that you know my name.
Yes even in my mother’s womb you created and called me,
Hovered over and cared for me
In that secret place known only to you.
I praise you for the years of faithfulness and mercy
You’ve shown on my life’s journey towards you.

Most of all I praise you…All Sufficient…Gracious Savior…and Lord,
for the wonderful privilege to know and be known by you.

O Lord, you are the portion of my inheritance and my cup.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have
a good inheritance (Psalm 16:5,6).

*The gift of the Rose was hand-stitched by my granddaughter Esther. Thank you Essie for each little stitch of love you poured into this beautiful keepsake!

He Still Speaks

He still speaks… to hearts flung open wide, brought near like a child.
Am I listening?

He still reveals…shines light through lens of searching eyes.
Am I seeing?

He’s still longing…waiting from a distance, ready to forgive and heal effects of rejection and brokenness.
Am I receiving?

He’s still listening…for questions yet to be asked and answered.
Am I asking?

He still speaks.
Reveals.
Longs.
Loves.
Listens.

He’s still God and I am not.

This day I come as a child drawing near through the blood of the Lamb, acknowledging His holiness and my unworthiness. Grateful He gives the right to call Him Father. Grateful He’s still Savior and Lord after all these years and all these *bottled up tears, measured, and written down in His book.

I am grateful He still reveals light and love when I lift
the eyes of my heart, repent and return.

For God so *loved…He gave…His Son…
*the exact representation
 of all the Father is and does.

He never left us…we left Him.
He didn’t abandon us…we abandoned Him.
He didn’t lie…the tempter did…and does.
He still breathes new life, peace and rest, to worn and weary pilgrims.
He still promises weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

He still speaks truth!
What truth do you need to hear to be set free?
Jesus said: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”
(John 8:32 NLT).

Lent Reflections:*Psalm 56:8, *John 3:16, *Hebrews 1

Gifts Wrapped in Love

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God has placed all kinds of gifts in our lives. Some come wrapped in warmth and love. Others come in rough wrappings, waiting to be loved. The same love God wrapped us with when He sent His son

and forgave our sins.

The gifts I’m thinking of are those who come wrapped, not with paper butthe love of God. Husband, children, grandchildren, sisters, brother, friends, family. All gifts, each one beautifully formed in their mother’s womb and given the breath of life by our loving God and Creator.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gifts of life and love you place in our lives
everyday. Open the eyes of our heart to recognize and receive them as you
would. In the name of Jesus our Savior, we pray. Amen.