When you wake up in the morning, what thoughts go through your mind? Do you thank God for life and another day to experience the joy of whatever he has waiting for you? Or, do you dread the hours ahead of you, doing the same thing you did yesterday and wondering if tomorrow will be more of the same? Friend, if you can read this writing, then God has blessed you beyond all measure.

The Lord created you and me with a deep longing for purpose. Whatever we do that spreads the fruit of God’s Spirit with others is our purpose in this world, and where we share it matters not! I want to propose a challenge for all of us this coming week. Much of what gets posted onto social media sites is negative. Sadly, some people when they wake up in the mornings are miserable and desire to make those around them miserable too. As much as it depends on you (and me) beginning today, ask before you say or post anything, will my words edify or will they fan the flames of unrest? Are my words kind, gracious, and loving? Or, do my words provoke dissension, discord, and anger? If they are the latter and you hit the “send button” knowingly, and hoping to incite others, then I ask you to reconsider your decision before you hit that button.

On occasion, I turn on my television; lately, it seems as though there are a lot of angry people in the world. We can’t possibly control other people, but the incredible power we do have is to control ourselves by what we say and what we do. The Holy Spirit wants to use you and me to bring peace into our world. Who else is there? The choice is ours, each one of us! Wherever we go, we can leave places better or worse because we’ve been there, whether in person or online.

To be true to who we really are in Christ Jesus, we can’t claim to bring unity, and then, antagonize others at the same time. My heart breaks for the current social and political “climate” in our world; I’m sure yours does too. I pray that God will help us make the right choices or convict us immediately when we don’t.

God bless you and those whose lives you will touch today!

“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” James 3:11, NIV

Have you ever seen a chicken run around without its’ head attached to its’ body? No? Well, fortunately, neither have I, nor do I want to see such a sight. However, there are days when, if I could sufficiently imagine that headless chicken, my countenance might resemble hers. She runs in endless circles hither and yon not having any sense of direction. Mixing my metaphors, you might say when this happens, she and I are both “spinning our wheels” and getting nowhere.

This summer, because of having decided to go back to school, my days are full of reading, and writing, (no arithmetic. I haven’t qualified yet!). I’m trying to understand online technology so that I can do all of the above studies. Several years ago, after my husband, Richard, passed away, I promised myself that from that moment on, I would keep a reasonable perspective on what in this world warrants tears. No crying on the golf course over a poorly executed game; no crying in traffic, (or yelling!). Recently, I felt the urge to shed a few tears over my struggles in one of my classes when I remembered my vow. So, I stopped for a moment, closed my eyes (no tears) and asked God to calm down my brain and show me how to rest in his presence.

As I consciously drifted into the peaceful “arms” of Jesus, I thanked him for allowing me even to be able to learn new things as my body and brain continue to age. When I opened my eyes, I could see the beauty of his creation, the ocean, an amazing variety of magnificent birds. And, I could feel the gentle, warm breeze blowing all around me. Thank you, Lord, for bringing me into a living relationship with you, through Jesus so I can experience moments like this; a relationship where you are no further than a breath away. I love you!

One thing I am learning through my new journey into “higher learning” is that finding the answer to a math problem requires using a formula. One can navigate a complex problem and find the correct answer by following a simple process known as “Order of Operation.” Every math problem follows this principle. If you try and take a shortcut by skipping a step in the process, the answer to the equation will be incorrect. Trust me! I know this to be true from hours of personal experience.

God must have considered the flawed human condition when he settled on his “formula” for getting us from this world into heaven. Instead of making us go through many steps, such as following a long list of rules and laws to get to heaven, he kept “the way” simple. Here is the formula:

J + 0 = h

When broken down, the answer is: Jesus plus zero equals heaven. Oh, I know, we’ve all heard the statement from well-meaning and perhaps not so well-meaning people that to get into heaven you must do x y and z, such as, “you must be good.” But, this rationale begs another question; how good is good enough? Or, maybe you’ve heard that only certain religions warrant entry into heaven, therefore, if you do not belong to a particular way devised by other flawed human beings, then heaven is inaccessible.

Let’s look at what Jesus tells us is the “only way to the Father.” Starting with the belief that Jesus is who he says he is, “the Son of God,” then wouldn’t he know the truth about how to get to heaven? From his lips, he tells us that “he is the way, the truth, and the life.” God wanted to make the way to be with him easy enough that a child could understand, and I, for one, am very grateful for the simplicity.

While the equation for the answer to heaven is simple enough, the formula is written in the precious and eternal blood of Jesus. No lengthy or complicated process is required, nor any shortcut to heaven; one way only, and Jesus is the way! It’s that simple.

Thirty-six years ago, a friend in Richmond where my family and I had moved only a couple of months before, invited me to attend a Bible study. Even though I attended church regularly growing up, I never studied the Bible; the times I opened my King James Version to read, the old English style wording made little sense to me. I decided I wasn’t smart enough to understand what it had to say and needed someone to interpret for me. My friend was a tennis buddy and very sweet, so I decided to give it a try.

We were to meet once a week for five weeks and met in someones home. Again, it seemed strange to me the idea of doing a Bible study without a preacher to help translate. When we were ready to begin, the small group of women was each handed a Good News Version of Scripture, along with a booklet highlighting the Book of Romans from the New Testament. From the moment I opened the “new” material, the words leaped from the pages and landed straight into my heart.

Since this day so long ago, God’s Word has come alive and been my “road map” in navigating the way through this world; without it, I would be lost. The Bible I use every day, I purchased in September 1988. Besides Scripture, I have also written personal notes throughout the pages. One day, I have designated when I am not longer on this earth, my family will take turns, if they choose, keeping it for a year to read through the pages.

With your permission, and the help of technology, along with Gods Word, I would like to share some of my notes with you, my kind reader. My prayer is that you will see the powerful impact the Scriptures can have. Friend, I love Jesus and love you even though we may never meet in person on this side of heaven. You are a child of God, and he loves you beyond your wildest imagination!

Personal entry, September 1988: “We find Gods Word to be truth, not by academic study but by a loving relationship with the Living God, ‘Author and Perfecter of our faith.’ He longs to make himself real to any who would but seek him.”

Getting from the airport to my summer home in Delaware, the forty-five-minute trip takes me through several little towns. Every time I make the drive, it feels more like traveling through “a metaphor for life” than driving through the local suburbs.

One of the first towns I come to is Pittsville; a superlative description of what some days are like for most of us. You don’t have to be in Delaware to visit “Pittsville;” it will find you! You’ve been there, haven’t you? Maybe you’re in your car on the way to an important appointment, and your coffee lid pops off of the cup, and the creamy, brown liquid pours down the front of your clothes. Or, maybe you have had an evening like the one I had a while back. Richard and I were on our way to a formal affair, and in the pouring rain, our car hit a pothole the size of Texas. Of course, we couldn’t see the hole because it was full of water. Slowly, but methodically, both front and rear tires began to deflate. We never arrived at our destination. Instead, we limped our way to the nearest gas station and had to take a cab home.

Shortly after leaving Pittsville, you pass by Sixty Foot Road. I have often wondered if the road is precisely “sixty feet” in length, but have never taken the time to measure. I’m usually so glad to be out of Pittsville that I want to keep going. But, I have thought how nice it would be (metaphorically speaking) to know the precise distance of the “road” I am on because if “the scenery” is pleasant and “the weather” favorable, knowing the actual mileage might encourage a slower pace. On the other hand, if it is overcast and cloudy, knowing the end is near is helpful.

Finally, we reach the “Shepherds Crossing.” If you have read other writings of mine, then you know about this juncture. With a recycling plant and children’s playground on one side of the road and a cemetery on the other side, Shepherds Crossing passes between them. When I reach this spot in the journey, I always smile, remembering how Jesus, our Shepherd, is with us every mile of our lives. Some days in this world will be grinding and some fun, but through it all, the grave is empty. Jesus has “overcome the world!”

I hope that these little metaphors are meaningful to you in your reading and in your living. Seeing life through the lens of the simple everyday circumstances where we find ourselves, can provide a beautiful window into the provisions of our ever-faithful and loving Father. Keep your eyes open; a story awaits, just for you, friend!

The early morning traffic moved along at the usual fast pace down the busy highway when suddenly I had to come to a screeching halt! Being the first vehicle, I knew the reason immediately; a family of geese were taking a stroll and had decided to waddle across at this juncture. Sitting and watching the scene play out, as I could do nothing else, a smile came to my face. The mama led the family of four baby chicks, followed by daddy bringing up the rear. What a sweet sight!

I thought about how this is a beautiful picture of God’s family as we make our way through this world. Scripture tells us that God goes before us in our daily “coming in and going out,” and he also follows behind making sure we get home safely.

While this metaphor may seem simplified for the challenges you and I face daily, the truth, although profound in meaning is just that simple. In the past, I didn’t always feel God’s presence because frankly, I didn’t want him to know what I had chosen to do. Like a child trying to hide an ill-chosen activity and not wanting to get caught, I thought to go my way instead of God’s way, that he couldn’t see me. I know this is silly and immature but don’t we all think this at times even when we are adults? Oh, I love knowing God is with me when times are tough but when they’re not, and there is something I want to do that I think or know he says is not in my best interest and I do it anyway, I would prefer he look away. But, just as immature in reasoning, I want God to bless me all of the time.

Fortunately for us, like any loving parent, God knows everything we do, and he loves us just the same. He likely will let us experience the consequences of our actions, whether favorable or unfavorable, but he will never leave us alone. Knowing this, at this time in my life, I am grateful and invite God to be with me as I “waddle” across the path laid out before me. Will you do the same?

“Lose ten, twenty, or fifty pounds if you follow the plan.”

Every day, commercials promise incredible health results. However, positive results are possible only if we follow the suggested protocol.

After working through a recent health issue, a friend suggested a diet she thought might help. The information was two pages long: the “No” list and the “Yes” list. Wow, I thought to myself, this is great. I like the simplicity of having someone lay out what is good and what is bad. Oh, but wait a minute. What’s that on the “No” list? Pasta, rice, bananas, peanuts? But, I LOVE peanut butter. And on the “Yes” list? Hemp seeds, psyllium …

Isn’t it funny how we want good results without having to make tough choices? When God created human beings, He designed within us the ability to choose between right (the “yes” list) and wrong (the “no” list). He calls it free will.

My friend wanted her diet plan to make me feel better physically. God’s precepts help me thrive both in this world with others and in my relationship with Him. I’ve found some of God’s principles are easier to follow than others. Yes, He has given me a choice, but if I decide I don’t want to follow His plan, then the results will likely cause pain and suffering for me or someone else.

The philosophy of the world promises we can have things our way. Such as when ordering a hamburger. I don’t want to think the consequences of my choices are only personal and affect no one but me. The “me generation” is nothing new and began in the Garden of Eden.

Free will is both beautiful and daunting. Thank God, Jesus chose well. He gave everything for me, for us—right up to the cross.

Ask God to give you a mind for healthy living.

He followed me home from school every day, but I never knew it. When I was in the first grade and only six years old, the walk from school to my grandparents’ house took about thirty minutes. Walking to and from school during this era wasn’t unusual; nevertheless, I felt very grown up. What I didn’t know at the time is that my grandfather followed me at a reasonable distance to make sure I arrived home safely. It wasn’t until many years later that my mother told me this sweet story.

Today, when I close my eyes, I can see my tall Papa; his Fedora straw hat and his fragrant pipe that I loved smelling when he was around. Thinking about him hiding behind trees trying not to be seen by this six-year-old makes me smile. Of course, at the time I would not have been happy knowing I was considered too young to make the walk by myself. Looking back, however, I see the wisdom exhibited by my loving grandfather to keep an eye on his grandchild. I also recognize the deep compassion he showed, not wanting to take away my sense of independence while at the same time keeping me safe.

How many times throughout my life has my heavenly “Papa” been present and I didn’t know it? Hindsight makes the answer clear. The times are plentiful when I chose reckless over reasonable, pride over prudence, and independence instead of seeking God’s direction. Still, He never left me alone. Seeing the bigger picture today brings tears to my eyes. Knowing the Lord gives me free will to learn and mature in my faith walk while making sure I “get home” safely is a tender reality I cherish. God knows the Way home; It’s Jesus! “Thank you, ‘Papa’ God.”