• Photo-synthesis

    Look for the Beauty

    It is easy to focus on the negative.

    We are constantly bombarded with images and news of these things.

    But that is not what God tells us to do in His word.

    As we begin a new week, look for the beauty.

    What is kind and true.

    Fix your gaze and your mind on His glorious creation.

    And then remember to thank Him.

    “Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always.”
    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

  • Photo-synthesis

    In His Presence

    Each year I drive back to this spot along the river.

    The menu has not changed in the 40 plus years since I have worked there as a waitress.

    In a world that is always changing, this brings me comfort.

    I sit across from a friend and have my favorite meal, dipping my fries in the homemade tartar sauce.

    Cars pack the parking lot and all of the picnic tables are filled.

    Families having conversations.

    A group of friends taking pictures together by the river bank.

    There is joy in watching people pause and enjoy His creation.

    And just like this place has not changed in all this time, there is another place that I can go to that brings me even more comfort.

    I don’t need to drive 2 hours to get there and it is available 24 hours a day.

    It is in His presence.

    This is where I find my peace.

    In a world that is always changing, spending time with the One who never changes will bring you comfort like nothing else can.

    Will you pause today to spend time with Him?

    “Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of Your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight.”
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭TPT‬‬

  • Photo-synthesis

    Entwined with His Heart

    I could see my husband looking toward the sky this morning when he called me outside.

    Shifting my gaze upward, I could see three eagles flying together overhead.

    It is not uncommon for us to see one or even two at times, but three?

    Oh how marvelous His creation is when we stop to notice!

    My thoughts immediately went to this verse in Isaiah.

    I love to read different translations of Bible verses, and this one spoke to me.

    “But those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their races without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up.”
    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭TPT‬‬

    Some variations say those who trust in the Lord, wait on the Lord or hope in Him.

    But to entwine my heart with Yahweh’s?

    What a beautiful posture to start Holy Week.

    Friends, my prayer is that as you entwine your heart with His, that you will find renewed strength and soar like the eagles.

    Blessings in heaps.

  • Photo-synthesis

    His Light

    Someone shared this scripture that spoke to me.
    Maybe it will speak to you, too.
    Whatever darkness you are facing right now, remember His light surrounds you.

    “Listen, my enemy. Don’t gloat over me when I fall, for I will get back up even stronger. Whenever I feel darkness around me, Yahweh himself will be the light that surrounds me.”
    ‭‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

  • Photo-synthesis

    Closer Than the Clouds

    Some people believe that God is far away.

    Above the clouds.

    Out of their reach.

    But He is everywhere.

    So how can someone who feels God is far feel His love?

    Through His children who know that He is always near and lives in their hearts.

    We are the expression of His love to those around us , especially those who may feel He is as far away as the clouds.

    “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.”

    1 John 4:12 (NLT)

    Today, how can you show someone that God is not far?

    Go and share His love.

    (Photo credit- my husband, John).

  • Devotions

    A Father for All

    A friend recently posted that the pastor of her church had passed away.

    It wasn’t until we spoke that I understood how much this person meant to her.

    She described him as someone who was like a father to her, and a grandfather to her children.

    A deeply felt loss.

    He was like family.

    In His word, God tells us that we are His children.

    His sons and daughters.

    “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are…”

    1 John 3:1 (ESV)

    His love for us is so great, that He did not want to spend eternity without us.

    That would be a deeply felt loss.

    Because we are His family.

    “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

    John 3:16 (ESV)

    My friend shared her story about someone who was like a father to her.

    A relationship that had an impact in her life.

    Sharing our stories about the One who is our Father makes Him real to others.

    If someone who doesn’t know God sees Him working in our lives, it opens the possibility to them that He can work in theirs, too.

    This is not just a relationship that can impact our lives.

    It is the most important relationship we will ever have.

    How is God showing up for real in your life?

    Friends, share your stories.

    Make Him real for someone who doesn’t know Him.

    He is a Father for us all.