Something In the Air…

You can feel it; it’s Sunday. There’s something different in the air on a Sunday. It’s like our minds and bodies chime to the internal clock of the day of rest—hibernation in human form.

I have had jobs that required me to work on Sundays. There was even a different air at work on a Sunday compared to the rest of the workweek. I disliked working on Sunday’s and the older I got, the more I resented them. I’m not joking when I tell you I love Sundays and especially at home. Even if I’m working on laundry, a nice meal, or raking leaves such as my plan today, it’s still a day in rest minded mode.

Sunday’s are a Norman Rockwell picture, big wide porches, the smell of fried chicken wafting out of the kitchen, a smile and wave to a passing neighbor while enjoying a chilled glass of lemonade over ice.

It’s a picture of a time back when, but that’s the essence of my Sundays. Sunday’s are meant to be slow and enjoyed. The perfect day to read a book, watch a movie or football while possibly sneaking in a nap.

Psalms 118:24 ESV “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

I pray that whatever your day holds that you will take some time to go outside and breathe some fresh air, slow down just enough to enjoy all of God’s colorful art on the trees, stand and look up, allowing the sun to shine its warmth down on your face.

It’s a blessed day; it’s a holy day; I hope you can do something you enjoy. Be blessed and thank you for joining me. 🥰

When the Wait is Over!!!

Have you ever put a situation in God’s hands because it’s just too big to handle alone? I don’t mean just saying it’s in God’s hands, all the while trying to help. I mean, letting go and letting God. No matter how long it takes including surviving the days when you aren’t even sure he’s listening.

I don’t know one of us who hasn’t been a bit unnerved as deadlines approach; trial dates arrive, a battle is being fought, or answers are being waited for. I’ve been there many times, and I know the angst.

The wait is real, and I believe it’s our unwavering faith amongst the delay that makes us ready for the blessings and miracles of trusting in him, even when it’s taking way too long.

We come to him frayed and jagged, cracked, and broken. We resemble rocks found out in nature. If you take said stones and put them in a rock tumbler, it takes many days and many different procedures, cleanings, and grits in each process to have them, in the end, become beautiful, smooth, shiny gems.

Think of your wait as being in a rock tumbler while you are bouncing along, head over tea kettle, your world feels out of control, and everything feels upside down. Remember, you are being groomed, polished, and readied for the next stage. God’s stage, be ready because it will be beautiful and so worth the wait.

Isaiah 40:31 NLT “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

So, the next time it feels too big, give it to God. The next time it feels like it’s taking too long, let go and let God. Your day of waiting will one day end, and a river of blessings await. Climb in and enjoy the ride. Be blessed this day, and Thank you for joining me this Saturday morning. 🥰

He Hears Your Whispers…

I apologize ahead of time as today will be more of a testimony than a devotion. Both achieve the same thing, and that is God cares about every aspect of our lives.

I am ashamed to admit that I don’t care for most Christian music. It’s not the content; it’s just a matter of not caring for the style, I suppose. However, many years ago, I used to listen to the Hillsong Worship group along with the Women of Faith’s Worship team. A few days ago, I was thinking about Hillsong; I have a cassette, do not own a cassette player…hmmm! I move on!

Yesterday I was visiting with a girlfriend who is also a sister in Christ, a wife, and a mom. We share. I spent the day before yesterday tearing up dying foliage from the garden, and yesterday was trash up the destruction from the previous day. Not long before heading out to my piles of debris, I receive a text from said girlfriend with a suggestion or two of some of her favorite podcast speakers, and I might enjoy Hillsong Worship.

What!!! Podcast! Hillsong! Pandora! My oldest son is rolling his eyes and slightly shaking his head…Mom!!! I know, I know, I found every other artist and genre.’ I grabbed my phone; sure enough, there they were, earbuds in, I was out the door.

It was a beautiful fall day and perfect for being outside. I was sweeping the patio as the music-filled my soul. I felt a slight nudge to turn around, and as I did, I saw the sun glowing against the pale blue sky and laughed out loud. The Lord reminded me that I had sunshine on my shoulder.

If he cares about something as small as reconnecting me to a music group, that one day crossed my mind. What does that say about how much he cares about the big woes or dreams. It says everything.

Deuteronomy 31:18 ESV “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Thank you for sharing my joyful experience. I pray for you a blessed day, and a whisper answered. Thank you for joining me. 🥰

He Signs His Letters with X’s & O’s

The Bible is a book breathed by God’s love for humanity! There are four types of biblical love. We have Storge love, Phili love, Eros love, and the granddaddy of all Agape love.

Storage Love; this is brotherly love, a love of deep empathy and care. Romans 12:10 NCV “Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.” Parents, siblings, soldiers, teammates, friendships that have lasted the tests of time.

The next love is Philia Love; this is the love you have and share with a friend. John 15:12 NCV “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.” Girlfriends, golfing buddies, co-workers, club members you share a common love with, the grocery clerk you have come to know, or your favorite barista.

Eros Love; This is your romantic love, erotic, sensual, passionate love. I’m going just to put the entire book of; Song of Songs here. It’s a whole book within the Bible that consists of love poems spoken between a man and a woman. Naturally, this love is shared with your spouse or partner!!!

Here it is, it’s time; Agape Love; Unconditional love. God’s love for US! 1 John 4:7-10 NCV “Dear friends, we should love one another because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love. This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins.”

I don’t know about you, but that Scripture says so much. He loves us, not because of anything we’ve done or who we are, but simply because he loves us. I have children, to give one in death for a world who criticizes and hates, I don’t think so! We as humans can only love in our ability, which isn’t a fraction of the love God has for me and you. It’s a love that is unfathomable.

Accept his love, let it blossom in your heart until you have a garden of flowers to share with others. Be blessed; may the sun shine down on you today. And, as always, Thank you for joining me. 🥰

Guardian Angels

Fact or fiction, do you believe you have a guardian angel? Some of my most beloved books and movies have a guardian angel in the mix. The first angel that comes to mind is Charlie; he was George Bailey’s angel in “A Wonderful Life.”

I just finished the most charming book last night. “Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe” by Max Lucado, and you guessed it; there’s a guardian angel. It’s a short, enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

I have always believed that I have a guardian angel and have had some significant mishaps and small misses in my life proving that I am protected. I thank my guardian angel daily for the slip that didn’t turn into a fall, the can of green beans that barely missed my toe as it fell from the pantry, or the unusual swift movement that helped me avoid running into something because I wasn’t paying attention. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Psalms 91:11-12 NCV “He will put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go. They will catch you in their hands so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.”

Psalms 34:7 NCV “The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear God and he saves them.” (on a side note, when the Bible speaks of fearing God; it means respect or to revere, not be scared to death of)

Hebrews 1:14 NCV, “All the angels are spirits who serve God and are sent to help those who will receive salvation.”

Exodus 23:20 NCV, “I am sending my angel ahead of you, who will protect you as you travel. He will lead you to the place I have prepared for you.”

In the many books I’ve read about guardian angels, the one fact that is always brought up or out in a story is our guardian angel loves us with a personal love. They are attached to us from our birth, right beside us as we enter the world. You see, God knew it wasn’t going to be easy down here, so he equipped us with heavenly help.

So, the next time you experience an almost and don’t, whisper a little thank you. Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Let Them Know…

Some mornings I have something in my spirit or on my heart to write and share. Some mornings my devotional reading will spark my devotional nudge, and then often, I have to pray until I feel or hear a direction. I want to clarify I always pray before writing for his words and guidance, but these are prayers asking for inspiration.

This morning was one of those mornings; as I was praying, I kept seeing two faces. These two faces belong to my youngest son’s family. My daughter in Love, as I call her, and ”new” grandson. The ”new.” is now a family joke as when Jon and Ganiece joined our family, I was dubbed ”New Grandma.”

These two people have brought so much joy, love, laughter, and smiles into our family. I am blessed as a mother to have a woman love my son as she does, he’s the baby, and I know it isn’t always easy. She is a beautiful stepmom to my oldest granddaughter and top-notch momma to my youngest grandson.

As for my brood of grandchildren, Jon fits right in and adds his contribution to the array of personalities I’m so blessed with as a grandma. I receive an extraordinary love from this little guy, and he is very special to me.

As a devotion, this isn’t the norm, and I hope you will come away with the actual message. If you have a special someone or a few someone specials in your world, take a moment and let them know. We all need to hear once and a while, we are loved and appreciated.

Proverbs 15:30 NCV ”Good news makes you feel better. Your happiness will show in your eyes.”

Proverbs 17:22 NCV ”A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength.”

So, this morning I am letting Ganiece and Jon know how much they are loved and appreciated. I’m so glad God brought you into our family.

Take a moment and send some love to someone; you’ll be so glad you did, and so will they. Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

The Changing of the Season…

Sort of like the changing of the guard, one leaves his post of duty for the next to come in and take charge. Summer left in quite a huff, not sure what made her so mad, but she indeed left in a furry of smoke and flames.

Fall was soft in arrival, so gentle he was here before you even noticed. I’m a summer girl, but I love fall. The colors are notorious, and God’s display of artwork is spectacular. This time of year brings football, hot chocolate, cozy sweaters, and warm fires. It’s a time to light the candles, turn on the mood lights, and bake something yummy in the oven.

The nights get dark quicker as God starts to lay his winter quilt over the skies, readying us for the chill of winter that is right around the corner. We add an extra blanket on our beds, dig out the sweaters and flannel pajamas. Animals that hibernate are eating everything in sight to store for their long winter’s nap.

The seasons and their transitions are the circles in which we live. Naturally, some are looking at fall and only seeing the dread of winter and the expense of Christmas. While the rest are walking in and raking leaves, enjoying the cool evenings and crisp mornings and looking forward to the greatest holiday.

We have seasons within our lives, people who come and go but never leave, experiences that teach along the way, age silently creeps in, leaving its telltale signs. We can’t stop it, so why not try and embrace.

It all starts with us! We can fight against an unstoppable force or step in and gracefully enjoy the journey.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT ”For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 3:2; A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 3:4; A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. 3:7; A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 3:8; A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

Whatever your season within, whether it be a winter month or a summer month, remember this too shall pass. Put on an oversized sweater and take a walk; God has some real beauty going on right now. Be blessed, and don’t forget to take Jesus with you on your walk. Have a great day, and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Relax, He Knows…

I don’t know about you, but I feel sad when I have gotten in the way of myself. Let me explain; I live by spiritual law; I believe what I put out I will receive back. I also work very hard to live by God’s Word and laws.

Here’s where it gets harder. We are human, and our carnal mind is a rough one to keep under control. Negative emotions of the flesh: anger, greed, meanness, wrong thoughts, selfishness, holding grudges, hatred, revenge, and retribution. In any given situation, we can instantly have one of these feelings or actions.

As a pronounced Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. We can be and are more times judged when stepping out of line or succumbing to an adverse emotional reaction. Why? One, because we are the example set and so our misbehavior is noticed quicker and two, because often people know it hurts you when being reminded that you aren’t making your Lord very proud right now.

People of the secular mindset somehow understand that the quickest way to our hearts, minds, and spirits is to shake our spiritual ground. It pierces and haunts. Then leaving, lurking shadows of question and insecurity, just as they and Satan intended to do.

I once again have great news! Our Lord knows your heart; he knows you love him, and he has walked this earth and understands.

Psalms 44:21 NCV, ”God would have known because he knows what is in our hearts.”

Psalms 34:18 NCV, ”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed.”

We as followers need to work daily on our self-control and walk, but please don’t let anyone use the Lord and your love for him against you. He knows your heart. Be blessed by this, and have a wonderful Sunday. Thank you for taking the time to join me. 🥰

God’s Partner…Our Partner

I’m limited on time this morning and wanted to leave you with a thought or two…

The Bible instructs us to pray about everything, put your cares, and woes in his hands, place your hopes and dreams in his hands. He wants to share in your world and to be a partner in your adventures.

But, did you ever stop to think that we are God’s partners also? We are his feet, hands, mouth, and example. We are visible to Gods invisible. That is a great way to start, remembering we are God’s representation.

Our Lord wants nothing but the best for you and your life, but you have to desire it also. To be the best takes hard work and dedication. To keep pushing when it seems hopeless and frustrating.

Keep doing your part, and God will keep doing his; of this, you can be sure.

Nehemiah 2:20 NIV, ” I answered them by saying, ’The God of heaven will give us success. We, his servants, will start rebuilding.”

So no matter how your day or tomorrow appears. No matter how big your mountain or how small your dreams. Share them with our Lord; he longs to be a part of your life.

Go out and have a sunshine day, and thank you as always for joining me. 🥰

But, I Don’t Understand…

Life, what a confusion it feels like most of the time and about the time you think you have it figured out it changes. Life often makes me very tired. There is so much we don’t understand and won’t while we walk on this earth.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV “ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher then your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

John 13:7 NLT “Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”

Are you in a place or situation and you don’t know what to do or how to do it or maybe even where to go? Have you been praying for answers that will make it all make sense? Has something or someone changed so much you don’t recognize the scenario or the person any longer? Was it supposed to be like this? Why? How? What? Where?

Sometimes it feels like the Lord doesn’t hear our questions. I have been asking him the same question for 19 years and still no answer. Did I miss something all those years ago? Did I not hear then when asking your advice and direction. Nothing…silence…so, I trust in my Lord. I might have missed a sign or taken a wrong path that looked so right at the time but whatever got you to where you are today, looking up in sad confusion. Just Believe!!!

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Romans 8:28 ESV “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

So, maybe you are in a place of indecision, the decision you made wasn’t so good and now what. Put it to prayer, keep walking your walk and believe in his word and what is crooked today will one day be made straight.

Be Strong and be blessed today! God’s got this even when it feels like he doesn’t. Thank you for joining me. 🥰 Your support means so much. ❤️❤️❤️