Good morning Lord,

I love this day, your day of rest. There’s a special feeling in the air that separates it from the other six. Thank you, Lord, for today and every day!

Be with us dear Jesus, today and everyday. Show us your plans for the moment and help us walk moment to moment our feet fitting into your footsteps. Please, help us not run ahead of you; getting in a hurry and forgetting your timing is the best.

Show us, Lord, how to be your shining example today and everyday! Holy Spirit, fill us so full of your presence that we leave a glowing trail wherever we walk. Your glory, shining out of us like rays of sunshine.

I thank you, Lord, for reigning in our hearts and minds. Growing within us today and everyday, peace abounding beyond the limits of our small thinking. We are giving you the freedom to do in our world your plans, not ours, helping us to align with you.

I thank you for being with our loved ones today and everyday. I know you take care of them when we can’t, and you are with them when we can’t. I thank you for the quietness within when the world is raging outwardly. I thank you for being here.

I thank you for your unending love, generous grace, tender mercies, gentle teachings, plentiful provisions, and fierce protection. Today and Everyday! In your name Lord Jesus I pray with thankfulness. Amen

Be blessed today, and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Do you have a secret dream or desire? Is there something inside of you screaming to get out or pops into your head from time to time, reminding you it’s still there, or you haven’t even tried. Maybe it isn’t a secret; possibly this dream or desire is one you talk about to everyone who will listen.

You know the conversation, “Someday I’m going to do!” “Someday I’m going to go!” Someday…

Ecclesiastes 5:3 ESV “For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.”

I wish to clarify, talking about your dreams and sharing your ideas does not make one a fool. The Lord is referring to the one who does nothing to further his dream. The one who talks about what they are going to do, all the while taking no steps towards that direction.

Small steps lead to bigger ones. Your first step should be to pray and align your dream with God’s. Ask him if this is your direction and be in tuned for answers, and he will answer you. Out of the blue, someone will make a confirmation comment or statement without them even knowing, but you and God know. You might see something somewhere so out of its place that you know God is talking to you. He may take something away, move, dismantle or build! He may keep your dream alive as he prepares you along the way! He may say no!

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

I have a dream of publishing a book one day! I’ve had this dream for years; have I taken steps to achieve this? Yes! The project is a work in progress, but I have put words on paper. I have discussed this with God for years, and the dream wasn’t taken! Does that mean I will be a published author? Only God knows, but until I finish those words on paper, read and learn how to find a publisher, agent, how to assemble, apply, taking all the necessary steps; then to step out in faith will, I know.

All I know is I have a dream; God has a plan, and as long as I keep in alignment with him, we will arrive at my destination together. If I’m ever on a shelf, you, my sunshine people, will be the first to know ☺️

So until that day, dream your dreams, prepare as if and invite God to share this place with you. Good Luck! Be blessed, be a blessing and thank you for joining me. 🥰

As I opened my curtains this morning, I was greeted by my new baby tree. An “Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’ Japanese Maple to be exact, it replaces my glorious Japanese Red Maple that our recent ice storm killed.

I have mourned the loss of my red maple as in every season, its leaves would take on different hues, and the street light hit it just right so, at times, it appeared to glow. It wore raindrops like glistening jewels and danced ever so graceful in the breezes passing by.

As in life, seasons come and go, friends come and go, the tide comes in and goes back out, night becomes day and day becomes night. It’s the circle of life.

So, now my view has changed! I see a young tree whose rooting was taken out of a big black pot and buried in the ground where they can stretch and plant themselves. I can daily watch the branches relax and spread out. I can delight in its delicate leaves that gently flutter and reach up towards the sun as it grows.

As I was smiling at my new tree this morning, quietly making itself at home and appearing very happy. I was reminded of how we are instructed to put our roots in the Lord where we can be grounded.

Ephesians 3:17 NLT “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”

Psalm 1:3 NLT “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

Spring is here, and there is new birth everywhere! How about you? Are you born again? Are your roots firmly planted in the Lord? Are you being fed and watered every day? The time is now!

Dear Lord, I pray to you this morning that you would fill me full of your newness. That you would feed me with your word and Holy Spirit. That I may drink from the well of your life. To live because of your blood that was shed on the cross, on my behalf. I wish to have my roots planted deeply in you so that when the storm winds blow, I will withstand them. I thank you for your love and guidance in my life. In your glorious name Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen

Go out and enjoy your day, listen to the birds singing, smell the fresh air, slow down enough to enjoy the nature around you… it’s everywhere. You just have to take the time to look.

Be blessed, be a blessing…and as always, thank you for joining me. 🥰

“A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.” A bond of mutual affection is for each other, but it was more likely born from a mutual association or interest.

I am blessed with friends I went through school with; these friends have known me since I was eight years old. We went through adolescence, young adulthood, raising children, and now sharing pictures of our grandchildren.

I am blessed with a friend who is more of a sister than a friend; our relationship goes beyond and has lasted over forty years. We’ve shared forty years of laughter, tears, life and death. The memory album is stuffed full!

I have been blessed with friends for a season, and friends for a reason. I write on this subject because a dear friend is due to my home today, spending a couple of days before returning to her home. This particular girlfriend brings this scripture to mind.

Romans 1:12 ESV “That is that we may be mutually encouraged by each others faith, both yours and mine.”

This particular friend loves to talk about God as much as I do! This particular friend loves to talk as much as I do. ☺️ I anticipate fun chatter and giggles, all the while sharing our walks, lessons learned, or learning. Sharing victories and the grace of his love shining on our lives.

I pray this morning as you have read this devotion that someone has popped into your thoughts. Please, if so, give that person a call, drop them a surprise note in the mail or fire up your laptop and send an email.

As we age, we change, life changes, people come and go! True friends are worth gold and should be cherished! So, Cherish!!!

To all my friends out there who read my words and you know who you are. I love you and I am so very thankful you are in my life.

Be blessed today and be a blessing. Thank you for joining me. 🥰

Revelation 19:7-9 NCV “Let us rejoice and be happy and give God glory, because the wedding of the Lamb has come, and the Lamb’s bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear. And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who have been invited to the wedding meal of the Lamb!’ And the angel said, ‘These are the true words of God.”

I’ll start with a bit of history; customs back in Jesus’ day consisted of three significant parts to a ‘Wedding Feast’

The first part was A Marriage Contract signed by both the bride and groom to be and their parents. The groom would pay a dowry to the bride or her parents this beginning the betrothal period. Today this is called the engagement.

The second part was the Torchlight Parade. This is where the bridegroom, accompanied by the groomsmen, and all his friends, went to the bride’s home at midnight. Each man holding a candle would create a torchlight parade through town. This was no surprise as the bride knew well in advance and was waiting with her maidens (girlfriends) and presumably her bridesmaids. They would then all join the parade to the grooms parents home.

Third was The Marriage Supper let the party begin, this celebration would go on for days. Great meals were served, the best wines brought out, singing and dancing, merriment and rejoicing. This was a wedding celebration after all!

Fast forward to today:

The first part is when we betroth ourselves to Christ through prayer. We confess our sins, declaring our belief that he came to earth in the flesh and died on the cross for our sins and that you believe he is the Son of God, asking him into your life and heart, and writing your name on the guest list, his book of life.

The second part is when Jesus returns for his bride. Still Waiting on this one!!! 2 Timothy 4:8 NCV “Now a crown is being held for me-a crown for being right with God. The Lord the judge who judges rightly will give the crown to me on that day- not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again.”

Finally, The Wedding Feast, the day we Christians are longing for, dressed in our beautiful wedding garb. For us gals, wedding dresses like we’ve never imagined! You guys, finery to rival any king. Wedding clothes designed individually, just for us. Revelation 19:8 NIV “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints-Gods Holy People) (Her to wear-refers to the church)

Jesus is the Lamb. We, his believers, his followers, ‘The Church’ are the bride. RSVP required, please make sure your seat is saved, that your name is in the book of life as I wish for you to join me and mine at the grandest party that will ever be given!

Until then, be blessed, be ready and thank you for joining me. 🥰

It’s getting to be that time of year where I enjoy salads. My husband and I spent quite a few years living in Southern California, and those people know how to make salads. I add fruit to my summer salads, so I thought I’d whip one up for you this morning.

Galatians 5:22 NLT “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

Love, strong affection, kinship or personal ties, admiration, benevolence, or common interests. Devotion!

Joy, the feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Rejoice!

Peace, freedom from disturbance. A state or period where there is no war or a conflict has ended. Tranquility!

Patience, the capability to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Calm!

Kindness, the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Gentleness and warmth. Concern!

Goodness, the state or quality of being good. Moral excellence and virtue. Beneficial!

Faithfulness, the quality of being loyal; fidelity. Loyal!

The Holy Spirit, through prayer, will help you find and blend all of these ingredients. Measurements are not required; the more, the better. Keep stirring until you can feel them all mixing, combining, becoming one within. Top with a dollop of whip cream and a cheery or two and you have a beautiful fruit salad.

These ingredients are so healthy; you will be amazed at your changes. Once again, the recipe can be found in the book of Galatians, chapter five, verse twenty-two of your Bible. It can also be found, sang and memorized in the verses of the song “Less Like Me” by Zach Williams

It’s another beautiful sunny day! Perfect day for a fruit salad! Enjoy, Be Blessed and thank you for joining me! 🥰

No matter what chronological age you are, when you pick up the cross and start walking with Jesus, you are considered a baby in Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:2 ESV “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now, you are not ready.”

1 Peter 2:2-3 ESV “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

As a newborn baby crys out for milk for nourishment and growth, scriptures tell us to do the same thing. We are to long for the spiritual milk that will nourish us, teach us, grow us.

Start off crawling; maybe your prayer is as short as a look upward and a simple hello! Awesome!!! That’s a start. Perhaps this God thing is still so new; you aren’t sure??? Let go of the table and try your first steps; ask him to show himself to you.

He will gladly show up. Don’t ask for the parting of the Red Sea! That’s already been done. Ask for a sign that is gifted from him specifically for you. One, this makes it personal between you and God. Two, it’s for you alone and will gently appear when it’s just the two of you. Three, he will bless you with his wonder so that you know, that you know he was there, and he did hear your prayer.

Cool, now what? Take another step, say another hello followed with whatever you feel like saying, asking, crying. Start reaching out, taking little steps of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (translation not provided)

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (translation not provided)

Our Lord longs to have a personal relationship with us, but he can’t have it alone. You need to show up too!

So, the next time you are alone, maybe driving, fishing, hiking, biking, or sitting in a lawn chair reading a book in the sun, and you feel a pull on your heartstrings, look up and say Hello!

Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

I pray for a day of quiet peace…

Peace from thoughts that won’t stop swirling.

Peace from fears of the unknown.

Peace from the voices that never stop.

Peace from the worry of how, when or why.

Peace from the pain in your body that never seems to subside.

Peace from the unfulfilled longing in your heart.

Peace from need.

Peace from fear itself.

Peace from sadness or depression.

Peace from being wore out and tired.

Peace from loneliness.

Peace from to much.

John 14:27a NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”

Be blessed today, this day Sunday, Our Lords Day…And thank you for joining me. 🥰

Psalm 118:24 NLT “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

To rejoice, Oxford Language describes it as feeling or showing great joy or delight.” To be glad, is to be pleased or delighted.

Today is Saturday, it’s a play day and the spirit knows it, even if you have to work on Saturday’s have you noticed that people are a bit more playful and fun? (once you get passed the I have to work today slump)

I do not have to punch a timeclock but I have things that I need and want to accomplish today. I am blessed because my weather is going to be spectacular and I anticipate the sunshine and fresh air.

See, it’s the little things we often overlook in our day to day bustle that are the triggers for rejoicing, being glad, and wearing a smile. I could focus on the chores or I can be glad that I have a sunny day, and fresh air to breathe. The birds are reminding me this morning to rejoice, be at peace and a simple kind of glad because of their beautiful singing that serenades me.

We can always find a sliver of sunshine within the clouds but often times you may need to look. I have a friend who is traveling to see her mom and take her some personal belongings. You see her mom had a stroke a few days ago! My friend could be focusing on the fact that her mom has some affects of the stroke that she will need to rehabilitate but instead she’s focusing on the blessings of what didn’t happen or transpire.

She is taking her big negative and looking at the positive. The biggest is she’s driving to go see and visit her mom, and even though she’s still in a medical facility, with work ahead of her, she is still with them.

Maybe you are stuck at home, then go take a walk. Maybe you can’t walk, then open a window and listen to the sounds of nature. Maybe you can’t open a window, then turn on the travel channel or crack open a book and transport yourself somewhere. For every reason why not, there’s a reason why!!! For every I can’t, there’s an I can!!!

The choice is yours. Choose this day to connect with the creator of this day. Ask him to help you rejoice and be glad in it…He will!!!

I pray for sunshine in your skies but mostly in your heart. Thank you for joining me on this beautiful Saturday, maybe I’ll see you at the market. 🥰

We are hardwired to seek and have a relationship with God.

Not everyone recognizes this fact, and many often end up spending their lives in constant pursuit of the elusive something…

Searching for that perfect high! Searching for that perfect mate! Searching for that perfect job! Searching, Searching, Searching…

Replacing, Replacing, Replacing, when our spirit is dry, and we search to quench it, we often try filling it with earthly ways or means: drugs, alcohol, food, shopping, adrenaline activities, or work. When we are empty inside, we try filling that void with human contact, but humans cannot fill our barren places without actually causing more because humans are, well, human.

Your emptiness, your searching, your desires, in actuality, is your spirit longing to connect to your creator.

Genesis 1:27 NIV “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female, he created them.”

1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV “Do you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you.”

Romans 8:38-39 ESV “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

He is calling you, can you hear him? It’s that gentle stirring deep inside, that something you just can’t quite put your finger on! It’s God, it’s time, stop, turn around and look up! Say hello, invite him to walk with you wherever you might be walking, ask him to ride along with you in your travels, or quietly sit with you in your yard as you bask in the sunshine. He’s waiting!

Be blessed today, and I pray you are a blessing for someone else. You bless me by being here…Thank you 🥰